Saturday, February 4, 2012

Finally Meeting Rich Koz (aka Svengoolie)

Rich Koz is a Chicago institution.  He has been a familiar face (although under some makeup as the Svengoolie character) since 1979.  Despite attending many conentions and working for years at a local newspaper, I had never met the legendary Koz until last July.
The big meeting occurred at a PCW wrestling event of all places.  PCW was putting on one of their big shows and they brought in several big name wrestlers as extra attractions.  The wrestlers were well-received by the fans, but Rich Koz was nearly as popular.  Koz drew a huge line of fans wanting to meet him.
This speaks volumes for Koz and his place in Chicago entertainment history.  Koz is a Hall of Famer.  Besides keeping the Svengoolie character funny after all of these years, Koz also hosts a syndicated Three Stooges program, Stooge-a-Palooza.
This also speaks volumes about PCW.  Along with great independent wrestling action, PCW brings in star wrestlers from elsewhere as added attractions and they occasionally bring in stars like Svengoolie.  PCW presents an awesome show every time.
On this particular night, Koz was very fan-friendly.  He graciously signed photos and posed with his famous chicken.  He was funny, talkative and very patient (which can be a challenge with a crowd of rowdy wrestling fans).
My hat is off to Koz and PCW.  They combined to make that June night one to remember!
Rich Koz, Matt Parker and me in Oaklawn, IL-June 2011

2 comments:

Hackenbush said...

Terrific. In case anyone isn't familiar with Koz's work, here's some video
http://youtu.be/8ab6dYJlMfk

Johngy said...

Thanks for the added info!