Conservative talk show host Wally George dies

San Jose Mercury News ^ | 10/7/03

[Tribune7]

Conservative talk show host Wally George, who sparred with liberal guests for two decades on "Hot Seat," has died. He was 71.

George, the father of actress Rebecca De Mornay, died of pneumonia on Sunday at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center.

George's combative television show, broadcast on KDOC-TV in Anaheim, rose to popularity in the 1980s. He called his approach "combat TV" and was known for interrupting guests by shouting insults at them.

Born George Walter Pearch in Oakland to a former vaudeville actress and the owner of a shipping company, George moved to Hollywood with his mother and at age 14 became a disc jockey with KIEV-AM in Glendale.

He hosted "The Wally George Show" on Inglewood radio and was a producer and co-host of "The Sam Yorty Show" before "Hot Seat" premiered in 1983.

[Tribune7]

I had no idea Rebecca De Mornay's dad was a conservative talk show host.

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[Mr. Jeeves]

I used to watch Wally all the time back in the early 80's. But I don't think his "attack dog" style did the conservative movement any favors. I think he and his daughter were estranged - he didn't approve of her Hollywood lifestyle and she didn't approve of his politics.

[Mr. Bird]

Wally was hysterical to watch back in the 80's, but you are correct that his antics did little to advance the cause. He was more entertainment than politics, and I remember him primarily for lamenting cultural decay, vs. any wonkish style criticism. I also believe you are right when you say his daughter and he were estranged.

[strela]

George, the father of actress Rebecca De Mornay

I had no idea. Condolences to the man's family - his show was entertaining.

[DoctorZIn]