OETA Mourns the Loss of B.J. Wexler
Long Time Host of OETA Movie Club Passes Away at 83
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – It is with heavy hearts that OETA mourns the loss of B.J. Wexler. He passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at the age of 83. Wexler was the long time host of the OETA Movie Club, OETA’s weekly program featuring beloved films. He received a Heartland Chapter Emmy® Award for hosting the 2008 season.
“B.J. was beloved at OETA and throughout Oklahoma,” says Polly Anderson, OETA executive director. “His kind smile and generous spirit connected with viewers since the OETA Movie Club first began in 1988. Although he retired from OETA in 2018, his legacy continues—we keep a framed picture of him on the Movie Club set. Our thoughts and prayers are with B.J.’s family and hope everyone thinks of B.J. the next time they make some popcorn and watch their favorite classic movie. I know I will.”
For thirty years, B.J. was a part of Oklahomans’ Saturday night routine. He provided a fun evening for families and date night opportunities during a time before streaming. In a 2016 interview with Wexler he was asked how OETA Movie Club has maintained great popularity. He responded, “In my opinion, it’s about families. That’s what I’ve heard from our viewers, young and old, through the years. Think about it! Going to the movies has always been something the whole family can do together. Right there, at home, smack dab in the middle of the weekend, there’s a chance to sit down together, as a family, pop a bucket of popcorn and enjoy one of Hollywood’s greatest movies.”
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, B.J. Wexler had planned to follow his father Sam’s footsteps into the real estate business. However, at the University of Buffalo, B.J.’s plans to join the family business were put on permanent hold when he began working for the college radio station, which would lead to a 50-year career in broadcasting. In the fall of 1976, B.J. arrived in Oklahoma City to serve as program director for KTOK Radio. In addition to his daily radio show, B.J. also produced the University of Oklahoma pre- and post-game football broadcasts. B.J. joined OETA in 1983, first as co-host of the Festival and Augustfest pledge drives, then of course, as host of the OETA Movie Club.
OETA Movie Club is now hosted by Robert Burch andairs Saturdays at 9 p.m.