Who was Jack Hanson? Longtime Bay Area TV Presenter Dead at 91

Jack Hanson, a vibrant and enduring figure in San Francisco-area television for an impressive six decades, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 91, as confirmed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Bay Area chapter.

Hanson’s extensive career spanned a wide range of outlets, including KRON, KPIX, KTVU, KGO-TV, and the Cable Health Network. His diverse contributions also included hosting Comcast Newsmakers, a news interview show featured on CNN Headline News.

Beginning his journey in the mailroom at KPIX in the 1950s, Hanson quickly ascended the ranks, becoming a stage manager and later transitioning to KRON-TV. His work on live shows, such as NBC’s “Wide, Wide World,” showcased his versatility and dedication to the industry.

In the 1960s, Hanson hosted his own show, “Jack’s Place,” back at KPIX. The program, where he interviewed celebrities and showcased his talent for drawing cartoons, became a hallmark of his career. This artistic flair continued to shine when Hanson became a weatherman on KGO-TV, using cartoons on the weather map to inject life into each segment.

Hanson’s impact extended beyond hosting, as he co-hosted the morning show “AM San Francisco” on KGO-TV from 1977 to 1982. His versatility also led him to occasionally fill in on KABC-TV’s “AM Los Angeles” and “Mid-Morning Los Angeles.”

In recognition of his significant contributions to the television industry, The San Francisco/Northern California Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences inducted Hanson in 2000. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who fondly remember his decades-long career and the unique charm he brought to San Francisco households.