Mel Jass

“He’s got a good job!” With this trademark line, Mel Jass became the best-known television pitchman in the Twin Cities.
Mel was one of the true pioneers of the television business. He started his television career in 1949 at WCCO-TV. Like all veterans of early television, he did a variety of live news, talk and kiddie shows – everything from anchoring newscasts to hosting “Popeye’s Club House”. While at WCCO, Jass also managed the Twin Cities Television Lab, an early broadcasting school. Many Lab graduates went on to significant positions in television both locally and nationally.
After a short stint in Hollywood, which included roles in several Alfred Hitchcock films and “Twilight Zone” episodes, he returned to the Twin Cities and the lakes he loved. In 1963, he joined WTCN-11 (now KARE) as host of the Matinee Movie and became a big part of Twin Cities television lore. So big, in fact, that Joel and Ethan Coen, the filmmaking brothers from St. Louis Park, credit Jass for launching their interest in films. He was one of the most recognized personalities on television in the Twin Cities.
Mel was known for his live commercials on Matinee Movie. Recognized and trusted by viewers, he made sure he used the products he endorsed so his testimonial would be believable. He was a commercial spokesman without peer; the first television pitch man. The amazing part of Jass’ art of the sale was his ability to do commercials live, without rehearsals or cue cards.
Mel was a native of St. Paul. His first job in broadcasting was at a radio station in Helena, Montana. He later worked in Salt Lake City until service in the Army during World War II interrupted his career. After the war, he returned to the Twin Cities and got his first local broadcasting job at WCCO-TV. He was widely liked and respected by his peers in the business, described as being as generous as he was talkative and as kind as he was curious.
Jass died in 1997. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, daughter Debbie Ash and sons Tom, David, Paul and Danny.