logo
Former radio host Harry Teinowitz, a Chicago original and ‘man of the people,' dies at 64

Former radio host Harry Teinowitz, a Chicago original and ‘man of the people,' dies at 64

New York Times16-07-2025
In his heyday on sports radio, Harry Teinowitz was at his happiest when he was pitching ideas in show meetings. He just loved to be heard.
'He just had a million ideas and he always wanted to be funny,' his old co-host Carmen DeFalco said. 'He was always thinking of silly, creative, goofy things to do and he believed in all of them. He always committed to the bit. If it flopped, he didn't care. He just wanted to try.'
Advertisement
On the air Wednesday, another former co-host on ESPN 1000 John Jurkovic smiled as he remembered one of Teinowitz's catchphrases: 'Why don't we try it?'
That phrase epitomized Teinowitz, a forever stand-up comic who was always working a room.
'He truly was a big 'idea man,'' DeFalco said. 'He thought every idea was great and funny.'
DeFalco and Jurkovic smiled as they eulogized their friend on the radio Wednesday after Teinowitz passed away at 64. He was found unresponsive at his home on Tuesday morning, his younger brother Danny Teinowitz said.
.@carmendefalco and @Jurko64 remember their great friend and our teammate Harry Teinowitz.
Watch- https://t.co/9y6oXoFEJv
Listen- https://t.co/aqKo6JEKZ6 pic.twitter.com/9xLlGy5BFL
— ESPN Chicago (@ESPN1000) July 16, 2025
Teinowitz was an actor, comedian, sports media personality and most recently, a playwright whose greatest fame locally came as one of the three co-hosts on ESPN 1000's hit 'Mac, Jurko & Harry' show, also known as 'The Afternoon Saloon.'
He hosted the massively popular drive-time radio show with Dan McNeil and Jurkovic from 2001 through 2009 and then with DeFalco and Jurkovic from 2009-13.
Teinowitz's unyielding sense of humor and encyclopedic knowledge of Chicago sports made him an essential member of those shows. His humanity made him relatable.
At restaurants and bars across Chicago, he was the life of the party. From radio advertisers to North Side bartenders, he knew everyone's name. He was a bon vivant and a friend to all, but that came at a cost.
Teinowitz's late-night carousing was a punchline for many years on the radio show, but his life changed forever in 2011 when he was pulled over in Skokie and arrested for a DUI. He was suspended by the ESPN-owned radio station and went to rehab, returning to host 'Carmen, Jurko and Harry' for two more years. He was let go by the station in March 2013.
Advertisement
He later hosted for WGN Radio's short-lived sports station, among other jobs, but never reached the level of success he had at AM 1000.
Along with his former radio partner Spike Manton, Teinowitz wrote a play about getting sober called 'When Harry Met Rehab.' It opened in Chicago in December 2021 and had a run in New York City in the fall of 2024.
When we talked in 2021 before a performance of his play, a contrite Teinowitz reflected about how a tow-truck driver who called the cops on him in 2011 actually saved his life.
'You know, I went to bed that night, thinking that tow-truck driver was probably the biggest (jerk) in the world,' Teinowitz said. 'And now I look back on it, and I think if it weren't for him, I never go to rehab. And never figure out what I figured out. And I'm dead by now.'
Health Update:A year ago today @DineeMD spent 10 1/2 hours saving my life by switching livers for me while no one was looking. My friends & family were unbelievable through 7 failed attempts to get a Liver. You guys have been awesome too. But it's the NURSES I can't thank enough. pic.twitter.com/SqBchQH76B
— Harry Teinowitz (@HeyTweetHarry) June 25, 2024
Teinowitz had been in poor health for years and had heart valve surgery and a liver transplant in 2023.
'He was on a clock,' McNeil said in a phone conversation. 'He's been on a clock for several years.'
Two days before he passed, former ESPN Chicago reporter Nick Friedell texted Teinowitz from The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, N.J., because Teinowitz was a diehard Bruce Springsteen fan. Other friends, like WGN's Dave Eanet, saw him over the weekend.
But when McNeil talked to Teinowitz on Sunday and said they should've gotten together for the 2005 White Sox reunion, he thought Teinowitz was unusually curt. It worried him.
'He said, 'The last thought on my mind lately has been the '05 White Sox,'' McNeil said. 'That's not Harry. Harry was still gung-ho about every (Chicago team).'
Advertisement
He is survived by his children, Lucy and Reggie; two brothers, Danny and Billy; and a sister, Nancy.
'Harry was the best big brother I could ever imagine having,' Danny Teinowitz said. 'He was selfless, he was sweet, he was generous and very, very funny.'
Teinowitz was a Chicago original. He grew up in Glencoe and graduated from Columbia College. His father, Phil Teinowitz, who died at 92 in 2019, was a prosperous real-estate developer and attorney who also invested in racehorses, such as Cryptoclearance, which finished fourth in the 1987 Kentucky Derby.
Teinowitz had a love for horse racing and even wrote about it for The Athletic.
They're giving away money tomorrow at iconic #churchilldowns in #KentuckyDerby151 It's supposed to pour tomorrow in Louisville. Sitting at 18 to 1 is the great, great, great, greatgrandson of Cryptoclearance, the number one mudder of his time, #Tiztastic should love the slop! 🏇🏻
— Harry Teinowitz (@HeyTweetHarry) May 2, 2025
In his acting days, he had a bit part in 'Risky Business' where he complimented Tom Cruise's character on having a party with high school students and prostitutes.
'Excellent idea, Joel,' a smiling Teinowitz said. 'Really excellent.'
While he had a bigger role in the 1980 comedy 'Up The Academy,' he always lamented that he should've had Curtis Armstrong's part in 'Risky Business,' which in his mind would've led to him being a star in 'Revenge of the Nerds.' But he wound up making it in Chicago radio. He worked with Jonathon Brandmeier and Danny Bonaduce on The Loop and hosted with Manton on WMVP before his big break.
The 'Mac, Jurko and Harry' show launched on May 3, 2001, with great hopes and no guarantees. But it became a hit. These three large men filled a small studio with humor, tension and $400 lunches catered by local restaurants.
Advertisement
McNeil was the acerbic sports radio veteran, while Jurkovic was the colorful recently retired NFL player. Teinowitz was the everyman, a fan of all teams, even both the Cubs and White Sox. His privileged upbringing and cockeyed optimism made him a target for his co-hosts, but to people who worked at the station, he was always warm and engaging.
Got the call today that my good friend Harry Teinowitz passed away, & my heart just sank. He believed in me before I believed in myself. Always lifting me up, always in my corner. Harry was the kind of friend everyone hopes to have in their life. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/HcsWGBboAG
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) July 16, 2025
He also knew his sports. He memorized jersey numbers, he knew dates and anniversaries. His 'Harry's almanac' segments were a staple of his shows. He became friends with athletes like Steve Trachsel and Kelly Wunsch.
'Harry's Chicago sports acumen was aces,' McNeil said.
'Harry was an absolute necessity,' Jurkovic said on the air Wednesday. 'You had to have him to make that thing work. Without him, it wouldn't not have worked to the level that worked.'
While Teinowitz courted laughs, the on-air tension between Teinowitz and McNeil was one of the reasons for the original Afternoon Saloon show's success.
'I think the main reason people listened is they wanted to hear when Mac and I were going to kill each other,' Teinowitz told me years ago.
The two argued on and off the air and even shoved each other in the studio once, leading to joint suspensions. At the 2005 World Series, they yelled at each other so loud in the radio booth that the players noticed. But Teinowitz and McNeil became closer in recent years, talking regularly and meeting for meals. McNeil said he thought Teinowitz had been feeling better about his life.
Advertisement
'I'm hanging on to the idea that he became 'Happy Harry' again for about 18 months,' McNeil said.
Danny Teinowitz said his brother was still working on different projects, including a movie screenplay.
'He had done so much, but he had so much left to do,' he said.
Teinowitz's funeral is scheduled for Monday in Wilmette, and friends and family will gather at a local restaurant to celebrate his life. You can bet everyone will be laughing about something Teinowitz said or did, doing impressions of him and retelling his old bits. It will be his kind of party.
'He was a man of the people,' McNeil said. 'He loved life in Chicago, and he loved sports fans. We should do a toast to Harry Teinowitz one day every year for people who celebrate what's good in our city. That's his legacy.'
(Top photo, from left, of John Jurkovic, Dan McNeil and Harry Teinowitz: Courtesy of ESPN 1000)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Taylor Swift to 'take the high road' over Denise Welch jibes
Taylor Swift to 'take the high road' over Denise Welch jibes

Yahoo

time7 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Taylor Swift to 'take the high road' over Denise Welch jibes

Taylor Swift plans to 'take the high road' after being slammed by ex-boyfriend Matt Healy's mother Denise Welch. The 35-year-old superstar and the 36-year-old 1975 frontman briefly dated following her split from actor Joe Alwyn, in April 2023 and Taylor went on to reference their relationship in her album The Tortured Poets Department. During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Matt's mother Denise insisted it was unfair that Matt couldn't talk about the relationship. She said: 'Obviously, on pain of death can I talk about that episode, but being her mother-in-law is a role that I am glad I lost. 'Not that I have anything against [Taylor] at all! It was just – it was tricky. 'Listen, you're not allowed to say anything, and then she [Taylor] writes a whole album about it.' However, Taylor – who has been happily dating NFL star Travis Kelce for the past few years - plans to ignore Denise's jibes. A source told 'It's a bit obnoxious in Taylor's eyes, but she has to take the high road. 'If there was anything that would be in a future song of Taylor's – if she were ever to respond – she would respond that way. But as of right now, she might just let it slide. She is not going to let Denise ruin her day. 'Taylor respected Denise and will continue to do so, as this will go away very quickly. 'But if Denise continues to talk about it and bash Taylor, then Taylor would say something. The ball is still in Denise's court to see if she wants to continue the narrative she brought upon herself.'

‘Fantastic Four: First Steps': Marvel finally made a movie you don't need a guide to follow
‘Fantastic Four: First Steps': Marvel finally made a movie you don't need a guide to follow

CNN

time15 minutes ago

  • CNN

‘Fantastic Four: First Steps': Marvel finally made a movie you don't need a guide to follow

MoviesFacebookTweetLink Follow Maybe 'superhero fatigue' is a thing of the past – with DC's 'Superman' still soaring in theaters, Marvel's 'Fantastic Four' reboot is set to join the fun this weekend, with positive momentum. The new movie featuring Marvel's First Family, as they're known, is not a sequel, prequel, spinoff or crossover, but a fresh take on a historic group of superheroes. No prior Marvelpedia knowledge is required to enjoy. That might sound like no big deal, but after 2023's 'The Marvels,' this spring's fourth 'Captain America' movie and 'Thunderbolts*' all underperformed by Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) standards, the new 'Fantastic Four' may offer broader audience appeal by not pulling from other franchises. And while there are definite Easter eggs (this is a comic book movie based on characters dating back to 1961, after all), the movie is what you'd call no-strings-attached fun. Most of that has to do with a welcome course-correction after the last two attempts at 'Fantastic Four' (there was the suite of Chris Evans/Jessica Alba-starring movies from the aughts, followed by a largely forgettable attempt featuring Miles Teller a decade ago). This go-round is highly stylized as a retro-futuristic world a la The Jetsons (where is that movie, by the way?) that honors the 1960s-era origins of the titular foursome. There's also a game cast, including Pedro Pascal, whose three films out this season – oh wait, make that four – still feel like not enough Pedro. Add to that Vanessa Kirby, 'Stranger Things' breakout Joseph Quinn – plus 'The Bear's' Ebon-Moss Bachrach as perhaps the most charming of the quartet, even though he's covered in a rocky mug – and the result is an engaging movie that focuses on family (in addition to some intergalactic baddies). 'First Steps' doesn't even refer to the Four by their decidedly silly superhero names (the Human Torch does sound like an obsolete infomercial product, if we're being honest), but rather introduces them as a man, his wife, his best friend and his brother-in-law. They exhibit their superpowers, but their collective expertise as scientists and astronauts prove equally valuable. After a busy and tumultuous few years in the ever-sprawling MCU, fans and casual viewers alike will have a breather after this weekend's release, since 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' the studio's next major theatrical tentpole, isn't coming out for another full calendar year and change. With any luck, that will be just enough time for everyone to get another round of zzz's before another dizzying superhero superstorm commences. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' is out in theaters Friday. 'Superman' is distributed by Warner Bros., which is owned by CNN's parent company.

Is ‘The View' going on hiatus? What to know after Joy Behar's comments
Is ‘The View' going on hiatus? What to know after Joy Behar's comments

Yahoo

time36 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Is ‘The View' going on hiatus? What to know after Joy Behar's comments

As President Donald Trump continues to feud with the entertainment industry, of which he was once a part, speculations have emerged that another fan-favorite show is being slashed. ABC Network's "The View" has found itself in dispute with the Trump administration, with a White House spokesperson suggesting the long-time talk show could be coming to an end. During a July 23 episode, co-host Joy Behar remarked that Trump is jealous of former President Barack Obama because 'Obama is everything that he is not.' She added that, unlike Trump, Obama is 'trim, smart, handsome, happily married, and can sing Al Green's song 'Let's Stay Together' better than Al Green. And Trump cannot stand it." "It's driving him crazy,' she added. Earlier this month, CBS announced the cancellation of the late-night comedy 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' after 33 years, a decision Trump celebrated on social media. White House responds White House Assistant Press Secretary Taylor Rogers responded to Behar's comments by referring to the comedian as 'an irrelevant loser suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome.' 'It's no surprise that The View's ratings hit an all-time low last year. She should self-reflect on her own jealousy of President Trump's historic popularity before her show is the next to be pulled off air,' Rogers said in a statement. 'I'm allowed to say that, right?' The following day, Thursday, July 24, Behar revealed the daytime talk show was getting ready to go on summer break. 'Before we go on hiatus, we only have one more show after this,' Behar, 82, announced at the top of the program before looking off-camera and asking colleagues, 'I'm allowed to say that, right?' While co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin joked, "Too late now," Joy continued, saying: "Before we go, I wanted to tell people that the tide is tide is turning, and things are changing. I mean, the ultimate irony would be that Rupert Murdoch will take him down." Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Is 'The View' being cancelled? ABC Network declined to comment on the exchange. Behar's manager, Bill Stankey, said, 'On behalf of me……..Release the Epstein files' when asked for a comment. In May, Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly told Trump that his name appears several times throughout the criminal case files on the late financier and convicted sex offender Epstein, according to CNN and the Wall Street Journal. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg, in the July 24 episode, announced the show is going on a break and will return in September 2025 for the new season. "Here's what's going on," Goldberg said. "We will see you all tomorrow (July 25) for another new show, and we'll be back for our new season in September." "The View" takes about a month-long break in August every summer, and it appears the "hiatus" Behar was referring to was not unusual for the show, which just wrapped up its 28th season. How did this start? The latest tension between the White House and 'The View' began after an Oval Office meeting with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on July 22, when Trump accused Obama of treason. Later that day, Obama addressed a July 18 report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence that claimed the former president 'manufactured and politicized intelligence" to undermine Trump's presidential victory over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Obama dismissed the allegations against him, calling them the typical 'nonsense and misinformation' emerging from the Trump administration. He noted the U.S. intelligence community's conclusion that Russia tried to influence the 2016 election. On the next morning's episode of 'The View,' Behar defended Obama with a sly remark about Trump and the overrunning of the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. 'First of all, who tried to overthrow the government on Jan. 6? Who was that again? That was not Obama,' she quipped. Who are the hosts of 'The View'? The daytime talk show is co-hosted by: Whoopi Goldberg Joy Behar Sunny Hostin Sara Haines Alyssa Farah Griffin Ana Navarro When does 'The View' air? 'The View' airs Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET on ABC. Episodes are also available to stream on Hulu. Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is going on between Trump, 'The View'?

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store