TV & Video - Nov. 13, 1989

Scott’s Secret to Success: What’s the key to longevity on television? Willard Scott says it’s being goofy. “Fall on your face, tell a dumb joke, be a little bit of a buffoon,” the “Today” show weatherman says in TV Guide. “Even though people will just barely tolerate you and almost (embarrassingly) shake their heads and say, ‘My God,’ they’ll always invite you to the party.” Bryant Gumbel’s opinion notwithstanding, Scott says one key to his success is being corny. “Absolutely!” he says. “I mean, it’s my mantle. I love it. Corn is forever!” Another key is sincerity. “I do make some stupid mistakes and say some dumb things but there’s an honesty,” he says. “And people know that I love them and that I love what I do.”