The enduring World Warfare II romance “Casablanca” launched me to Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the basic screwball comedy “Some Like It Scorching” launched me to Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, and the uproarious rom-com “Instructor’s Pet” launched me to Clark Gable and Doris Day.
However the man who made the introductions was B.J. Wexler, the longtime host of the favored “OETA Film Membership.”
Each weekend for 3 many years, Wexler affably appeared on tv screens throughout Oklahoma with a full bucket of contemporary popcorn and a beneficiant serving to of enjoyable info and behind-the-scenes trivia to accompany the present’s slate of basic movies.
Wexler died Feb. 10 on the age of 83, and the hearts of film followers throughout the state broke.
“B.J. was beloved at OETA and all through Oklahoma,” mentioned Oklahoma Academic Tv Authority (OETA) Government Director Polly Anderson in an announcement. “His type smile and beneficiant spirit linked with viewers because the ‘OETA Film Membership’ first started in 1988. Though he retired from OETA in 2018, his legacy continues — we maintain a framed image of him on the ‘Film Membership’ set. Our ideas and prayers are with B.J.’s household and (I) hope everybody thinks of B.J. the subsequent time they make some popcorn and watch their favourite basic film. I do know I’ll.”
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Wexler deliberate to observe his father, Sam, into the true property enterprise. Whereas attending the College of Buffalo, although, he started working for the faculty radio station, which heralded the beginning of a 50-year profession in broadcasting.
In fall 1976, Wexler arrived in Oklahoma Metropolis to take the job of program director for KTOK-AM 1000. Along with his each day radio present, he produced the College of Oklahoma pre- and post-game soccer broadcasts.
Wexler began working at OETA in 1983, first as co-host of the Competition and Augustfest pledge drives, then as host of the “OETA Film Membership.”
