For generations of fans, Friday night meant settling in to watch the “Big Chuck & Lil’ John Show.” Part of the FOX 8 weekend late-night TV lineup for 28 years, the show featured low-budget horror movies complemented by the duo’s zany, not-to-be missed skits. The show’s legacy continues to live on, not only in the annals of broadcast history and tribute programs, but in its commitment to helping others.

Proceeds from the purchase of T-shirts and other items available on the Fox 8 website that sport the “Big Chuck & Lil’ John” logo will be donated to the Mercy Health Foundation Lorain.

Solon resident “Lil’” John Rinaldi — who joined the cast in 1969 and served as the show’s co-host with “Big Chuck” Schodowski from 1979 to 2007 — didn’t have to think twice about accepting Foundation President Scott Pember’s invitation to join the organization’s Board of Directors.

“I looked into Mercy Health Lorain before I said, ‘yes,’” Rinaldi recalls. “It means a lot to me that the hospitals are community-based, faith-based and really reach out to people who need help.”

“And,” he adds, “they operate without a lot of red tape.”

Founded in the mid-1800s by a congregation of Catholic Sisters, Mercy Health is dedicated to philanthropy. In 2018, Mercy Health merged with Bon Secours, to become one of the largest healthcare systems in the country with a network of more than 1,200 care sites and 49 hospitals.

Mercy Health Foundation Lorain connects donors with programs they’re passionate about, thus ensuring compassionate care and a focus on excellence. The Foundation provides support to Mercy Health-Lorain Hospital in Lorain, Mercy Health-Allen Hospital in Oberlin, New Life Hospice, the Mercy Health-O’Brien Cancer Center in Elyria, community outreach programs (parish nursing); and assists patients in need of financial help. Recent projects include purchase of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner and a mobile mammography unit that will travel throughout the county.

“We’re thrilled John has joined our board,” Pember says. “He’s a great ambassador for us because so many people know him as Lil’ John, and he’s comfortable engaging with people from all walks of life.

“Like the rest of our members,” he adds, “John can talk in-depth about the work we’re doing, and ways anyone can help.” For more information, visit https://fox8shop.1stplacespiritwear.com/sites/OH/Cleveland/Fox+8/collection_detail.html

 

Three Special Skits

“My philosophy is simple,” Rinaldi explains. “I want to make somebody laugh or smile every day.” And this has been his philosophy since he was a kid.

He credits the comedic genius of his on-air partner Chuck Schodowski, with helping make that happen.

“Chuck and I were more than friends, we were brothers,” Rinaldi explains, reflecting on his pal’s death in January at age 90. “He was the person who gave me the name Lil’ John.”

 

Bridget the Midget

Rinaldi made his debut in this parody of Ray Stevens’ novelty song.

“I had a reputation for being funny, and [Cleveland dance teacher] Dick Blake was a friend who knew ‘Big’ Chuck. Chuck told him he needed a little girl for an upcoming skit, and Dick said, “I don’t know a little girl, but I know a little guy.” Chuck said that would work, and told me to come to [a lounge] in Fairview Park the next Saturday night and bring a dress — which I borrowed from my sister’s closet — combat boots and a wig. After we filmed the skit, he asked if I’d like to join the show’s basketball team out of courtesy, thinking I’d say ‘no’ because of my height. Instead, I said, “Sure, no problem.”

 

Troglodyte, a satirization of a recording made by the soul/funk/disco group The Jimmy Castor Bunch, was filmed at Hinckley Lake, and featured Rinaldi in caveman attire with club in hand.

“This was the fourth skit I did, and I’m asked about it the most,” he says. “I had to run down a boat ramp to the water and go in. Problem was, I couldn’t swim. Chuck’s teen-aged son had to pull me out.”

 

The Duel was filmed at the WJW Channel 8 building on 5800 at 5800 South Marginal Road in downtown Cleveland.

“We were on top of the building on the railing and it was windy,” Rinaldi recalls. “Think about that: We’re on a walkway that’s 2 feet wide, and, for safety, all we had was a rope tied around each other.”

“A lot of things we did because we were young and dumb,” he adds. “We wouldn’t do them again.”