Carol Duvall, the renowned host of HGTV, passed away on July 31, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. She reached the age of 97.
Duvall’s most notable contribution was her engaging presentations of arts and crafts on the show titled “The Carol Duvall Show,” which aired on HGTV from 1994 to 2005, as documented by the Internet Movie Database.
Although Duvall gained nationwide recognition during the 1990s, her television journey spanned over half a century, as highlighted by the Record-Eagle in 2017. Her inaugural venture into television hosting dates back to the 1950s in Detroit, according to the same source.
“I always had a deep fascination with theater,” Duvall shared with the outlet during that period, emphasizing, “To me, it felt akin to being on a grand stage. Engaging in something you are passionate about brings about a sense of enjoyment.”
After an extensive tenure of nearly two decades in local television, Duvall’s reputation expanded beyond regional boundaries when she embarked on a national journey as a part of “The Home Show” on ABC throughout the 1980s, as chronicled by the Record-Eagle.
During her time hosting “The Carol Duvall Show” on HGTV, she conveyed to the Record-Eagle her mission of imparting diverse crafting “techniques” to viewers. These techniques spanned a wide spectrum of creative endeavors, ranging from origami, jewelry crafting, polymer clay artistry, rubber stamping, painting, to intricate needlework.
“We aimed to introduce them to techniques—teaching how to create, not solely what to create,” Duvall explained to the publication, underscoring the show’s educational approach. “Our scope encompassed a wide range of artistic endeavors. While ideas flowed from various sources, I held the responsibility of approving every project that graced the airwaves.”
In 2005, HGTV made the decision to conclude “The Carol Duvall Show,” yet the show found a new home on the DIY Network, where it continued its run until 2009, as stated by The Detroit Free Press.
Beyond her extensive television hosting career, Duvall also delved into the realm of literary creation, producing two notable books. Her first publication, “Wanna Make Something Out of It?” made its debut in 1972, followed by “Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall” in 2007, both highlighted by The Detroit Free Press. These literary contributions further enriched her legacy beyond the screen.
Duvall Missed Being on Television
Following the conclusion of her television career in 2009, Duvall expressed a yearning for the familiar presence of the small screen, as revealed in an interview with the Ticker, a local Michigan news outlet. “Having spent 56 years on television, I now find myself without a platform to share the remarkable craft ideas I encounter,” she lamented. The absence of a broadcasting medium left her with a sense of unfulfilled enthusiasm for sharing creative insights.
As attested by HGTV, Duvall’s distinctive qualities included her “self-effacing humor and practical knowledge,” which endeared her to audiences over the years.
Recalling memorable moments during an interview with the Record-Eagle in 2017, Duvall recounted a humorous incident that resonated with her fans. Reflecting on an episode where she co-hosted with actress Deborah Harmon, they accidentally displayed an image upside down and encountered an unexpected display mishap. “Absolutely nothing proceeded according to plan,” Duvall recounted.
However, the mishaps led to an infectious fit of laughter between the co-hosts. Duvall reminisced, “We found ourselves laughing so uproariously that coherent speech became a challenge. Interestingly, that episode garnered significant attention in the form of mail from viewers who thoroughly enjoyed our candidness and mirth.” This anecdote highlighted her ability to embrace imperfections with grace and connect with her audience on a personal and relatable level.
How To Remember Duvall
For those wishing to honor the memory of Duvall, an online avenue is available through the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Within this digital space, a comment section provides a platform for individuals to commence the sharing of their cherished recollections of the late television host. Among these contributors is Sarah Hodsdon, who not only characterized Duvall as a dear friend but also a mentor. Hodsdon recognized Duvall’s pioneering influence, acknowledging that she “cleared the path” for individuals like Martha Stewart.
Expressing her sentiments on August 2, a day prior to the official announcement, Hodsdon tweeted, “She was endeared by millions, and the Art & Craft Industry now harbors numerous heavy hearts.” Hodsdon’s message resonated with the profound impact that Duvall’s departure had on the creative community.
Hodsdon’s words further underscored the depth of her connection to Duvall: “To the broader world, she was renowned as the ultimate Craft Queen… for me, she embodied the spirit of one of my grandmother’s own sisters—an ‘Aunt’ figure who graced the television screen while crafting the very items I had once fashioned on the floor of her living room, overlooking the tranquil expanse of Lake Michigan.” This personal narrative vividly depicted the intimate and transformative bond that Duvall shared with her viewers.
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