‘True legend’ of Indianapolis TV children’s program ‘The Janie Show’ dies

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Janie Woods Hodge, the television pioneer who hosted the beloved “Popeye and Janie” and “The Janie Show” on Indianapolis television station WTTV for more than two decades, died Sunday, said an obituary from Leppert Mortuaries-Nora.

She was 93.

Hodge became a household name for central Indiana children from 1963 to 1986. On her live show, which aired cartoons, she shared a passion for music and education, leaving a lasting impression on generations of viewers.

Between cartoons, she played the ukulele, sang, and danced, sometimes with the show’s crew and another WTTV children’s show personality, Bob Glaze, better known as “Cowboy Bob.” He died in September 2016 at age 73.

Also between cartoons, Hodge interacted with children, including members of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops, in the ‘Peanut Gallery.” Children often waited months to join the live audience.

“Janie shaped many young lives, and for the better,” said Ken Owen, president of the Indiana Broad...