NBC weatherman Fritz Coleman retires after 39 years, Internet pays tribute to 'only weatherman they trusted'
NBC4 has bid farewell to Fritz Coleman, who retired on Friday, June 26 after 39 years of delivering weather forecasts -- and a lot of smiles and laughs -- to Southern Californians. After a year of planning his retirement, Coleman decided to spend more time with his family, appreciate his good health, and dedicate more time to his comedy. Coleman's retirement was announced earlier in June. Coleman was extensively knowledgeable of the weather and seamlessly weaved his own style of humor during his forecasts for NBC4. His departure marks the end of the era for many Southern Californians who are also familiar with his philanthropic work. Coleman regularly devotes time to charity events for local nonprofit organizations and has led several community town hall meetings addressing the drought crisis, focusing on weather patterns and water conservation.
Joining NBC's Channel 4 in 1982, Coleman was part of one of the longest-running news anchor teams in the industry alongside co-anchors Colleen Williams and Chuck Henry and Sports Anchor Fred Roggin. Coleman also performed hilarious “Fritz and Fred” and “Fritz said it would be like this” promos that viewers still remember today. Coleman told NBC, “I love my job. I tell my children, it doesn’t matter what you do with your life as long as you have a reason to get up in the morning. Not only coming into people’s living rooms at the same time every day… but all the amazing experiences. Fifty percent of it is being accepted by others and others wanting to be around you. I love what I did.”
Many took to social media to remember Coleman and what his presence on television meant to them. Director Ava DuVernay tweeted, "Only Angelenos will care about this one. Watching tonight’s finale broadcast of Fritz Coleman. Realizing I’ve been watching him tell me about what tomorrow will be like for 39 years. So it seems right to tweet my thanks to @theFritzColeman. Watch out for those coastal eddys [sic]." One user tweeted, "Who remembers the late-night comedy - variety show “Itz Fritz”? Ran on the weekend, Sunday night I think. The band included Lawrence Juber and Tim Bogert. Comics like the late Max Alexander (@IJasonAlexander‘s brother)." Another wrote, "You know you're old af when the weatherman retires from your home state /local channel growing up. Fritz has been at NBC 39 years got damn [sic]." Another user tweeted. "Fritz Coleman retired! The only weatherman I've trusted all my life."
Viewers got emotional as Coleman delivered his last forecast as NBC4 paid him a tribute. One viewer tweeted, "I think all of us in LA got a tiny tear up seeing FRITZ on his final weather report. Even those who work at other stations. I am happy for him. Freedom from the boss and the man is the way to live. @nbcla enjoy your new life." Another wrote, "Fitting, beautiful tribute to a SoCal legend & one of the kindest guys in the business. Congrats on the retirement Fritz Coleman! Bravo @NBCLA @ColleenNBCLA, Chuck Henry, Fred Roggin." Coleman wrapped up his final weather forecast by advising his viewers, "If you need any weather from here on out, it's on your phone!" Broadcast journalist Darsha Phillips tweeted, "You know when you meet someone and they are EXACTLY as nice and kind and gracious as they seem on TV? Well, that’s Fritz Coleman. #ClassAct."