Marvin Zindler

About

Remembered for his acclaimed works of investigative journalism, this Texas-based reporter had a decades-long career with the Houston ABC affiliate KTRK-TV. He became famous for his "Rat and Roach Report," a series of pieces on the health and sanitation profiles of Houston-area restaurants.

Before Fame

After attending Texas' John Tarleton Agricultural College, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the early years of World War II. He began his broadcasting career as a radio host and disc jockey.

Trivia

Before beginning work for KTRK-TV in the early 1970s, he was a crime reporter for the Houston Press and an employee of the Harris County (Texas) Sheriff's Office.

Family Life

His first marriage, to Gertrude Kugler, resulted in four sons and one daughter. After Kugler's death, he married Niki Devine.

Associated With

Stage and screen actress Carlin Glynn won a 1979 Tony Award for her performance in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, a Broadway musical that was inspired by Zindler's 1973 investigative journalism piece, the "Chicken Ranch story."