Cleveland has lost a true television icon. Chuck “Big Chuck” Schodowski, beloved for his long-running comedy show “Big Chuck And Little John,” has died at the age of 90. News of his passing was first reported by Fox 8 News and confirmed by his wife, Sherry, on Facebook, marking the end of an era for local television and fans of “Big Chuck and Little John”.
Schodowski’s career at WJW TV8 spanned over three decades, a testament to his enduring appeal and connection with Cleveland audiences. His journey began behind the scenes as a technician on Ernie Anderson’s Shock Theater with Ghoulardi. However, it was his on-screen charisma that truly shone, leading to his role in The Hoolihan and Big Chuck Show in 1966. This laid the groundwork for what would become his defining work: “Big Chuck and Lil’ John,” a show that captured the hearts and funny bones of Cleveland for 28 years. For many in the region, the names Big Chuck and Little John are synonymous with laughter and local late-night entertainment.
Reflecting on his entry into television, Schodowski once shared a simple yet profound motivation. “I was waiting at a light and was looking at this big TV transmitter, and I thought it must be really cool to work in TV,” he told Cleveland Magazine in 2008. In a time when television personalities held a certain revered status, akin to doctors or lawyers, Schodowski was drawn to the magic of broadcasting. He and his comedic partner, John “Lil’ John” Rinaldi, went on to create their own unique brand of magic with “Big Chuck and Little John.”
The sketch comedy show, “Big Chuck and Little John,” became a cultural touchstone in Cleveland. It thrived on parodying local life, often drawing humor from Schodowski’s Polish heritage and incorporating beloved characters like “Stosh.” Their skits were famously filmed around Cleveland, even using locations like Squire’s Castle in Willoughby for Indiana Jones spoofs, showcasing their deep connection to the community. They understood and celebrated Cleveland’s quirks and passions, even its love for kielbasa, making “Big Chuck and Little John” relatable and deeply loved.
Schodowski himself had a particular fondness for the character of Stosh, “the certain ethnic guy.” He revealed, “The sweater he wore was really my own sweater from the ’50s. I grew up in this Polish neighborhood where like every third guy had that same sweater. And every guy wore that hat.” This dedication to authenticity and observation of everyday Cleveland life was key to the humor of “Big Chuck and Little John.” An anecdote he shared further illustrates this: “One time, John and I were shooting a skit in my old neighborhood, and I’m walking down the street as Stosh, and John says no one even looked at me. There were too many people dressed like me going the other way.” This perfectly encapsulates the charm of “Big Chuck and Little John” – humor rooted in the genuine fabric of Cleveland.
Beyond the scripted comedy, Big Chuck and Little John were known for their willingness to engage in hilarious, often unpredictable, situations. Perhaps one of the most memorable examples was their sparring match with Mike Tyson at a charity event. What started as a lighthearted idea quickly turned into a real, albeit brief, encounter with the heavyweight champion. As Schodowski recounted to Cleveland Magazine in 2007, the playful sparring took an unexpected turn when Tyson realized they were serious. “When the bell clanged, John charged Tyson. I followed, and my mind slowed just enough to see there was no longer any smile on Tyson’s face — and his eyes were on me.” The resulting jab from Tyson, though not at full force, left Big Chuck with a memorable story and a testament to the unpredictable nature of “Big Chuck and Little John”’s adventures.
Chuck Schodowski initially retired in 2007, marking what seemed like the end of an era for “Big Chuck and Little John.” He even penned a memoir, Big Chuck!, in 2008, reflecting on his remarkable career. However, the enduring appeal of Big Chuck and Little John proved too strong. The duo made a welcome return to Fox 8 in 2011, and even ventured into web skit shows, proving their timeless comedic chemistry still resonated with audiences. Throughout his career, Big Chuck received numerous broadcast awards and was deservedly inducted into both the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as a broadcasting giant.
Looking back on his life, Schodowski’s aspirations were grounded in simple, yet meaningful, values. “Ever since I was a kid, it must have been embedded in me. I just wanted to get married, get a job, have a family, a house and a dog. If I did that, I would be considered successful by my peers, my uncles, my father,” he once said. His definition of success was not about fame or accolades, but about being a “good guy,” raising a family, and instilling a strong work ethic in his children. In this, as in his television career alongside Little John, Big Chuck Schodowski undoubtedly succeeded, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and genuine connection with his Cleveland community. The memories of Big Chuck and Little John will continue to bring smiles to generations of viewers.
