*Gil Noble, the host and producer of influential public affairs show “Like It Is” – which aired on New York’s WABC – died Thursday, April 5, about eight months after suffering from a stroke. He was 80.
Noble’s joined the ABC flagship station in 1967, and soon anchored its weekend newscasts, according to Deadline.
“Like It Is,” which debuted in 1968, created the country’s largest collection of programs and documentaries on African-Americans. He interviewed newsmakers including South Africa President Nelson Mandela and Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe; entertainers Bill Cosby, Harry Belafonte and Lena Horne; sports stars Muhammad Ali and Arthur Ashe; and political figures such as Jesse Jackson and Louis Farrakhan. [Scroll down to watch Noble's interview with Bob Marley.]
His memoir, Black Is The Color Of My TV Tube, was published in 1981.
“Gil Noble’s life and work had a profound effect on our society and culture,” WABC General Manager Dave Davis says. “His contributions are a part of history and will be remembered for years to come.”
I remember him well, R.I.P. Mr. Noble. and condolences to the family.
R.I.P.
There wasn’t a sunday in my household where my family didn’t tune into ‘Like It is’. It was the only place where politicians, activists, thinkers, scholars and entertainers were able to express themselves openly on community forum. Mr. Noble always treated his guests with dignity and respect and he was never afraid to ask the hard questions. He was always objective and left it up to the viewer to come up with their own opinion. There will never be another like Mr. Noble, particularly, in tv journalism. It’s so sad to lose this giant in our community but I’m glad that he is no longer suffering. R.I. P. Mr. Noble. You were the greatest!
Good Night Boss Man.