Thread by @latimes

With a mix of wisdom, authority and warmth, Maury Povich was the calm at the center of the storm of his eponymous series, taking on the role of TV’s symbolic father figure for more than 30 years. latimes.com/entertainment-…

“I have no more mountains to climb,” says Povich.

The 83-year-old has outlasted decades of competitors to become the longest-running daytime talk show host in broadcast TV history, with #Maury carving its own distinctive niche as a circus of human drama. latimes.com/entertainment-…

“Since this show started in 1991, there are 75 daytime talk shows in the graveyard,” Povich said. “That’s how difficult daytime talk is. And it gets more difficult every year because the audience is shrinking.” latimes.com/entertainment-…

#Maury continued to be a solid performer, attracting a daily average of 1.2 million viewers. Povich’s signature catchphrase (“You are/are not the father”), theatrics, and the “baby daddy dance” have delighted fans and inspired countless GIFs. latimes.com/entertainment-…

While some label #Maury as lowbrow and disposable, Povich is undeniably proud: “I was able to get as close and intimate with my guests, my audience and my viewers as anyone who has done this type of show. I appreciate the faith and trust they had in me.” latimes.com/entertainment-…

The show also fulfilled his life’s ambitions: to tell stories and help people.

“Every single story deserves attention, and I search for the unique quality in that story,” he said. latimes.com/entertainment-…

Povich continues to be gratified at the series’ longevity, saying “the great part is when people come up to me and say, ‘I watched you as a kid. I watched you as a grown-up, and now my kids and grandkids are watching you. It’s down to three generations.’” latimes.com/entertainment-…

While acknowledging the over-the-top formula of his show, Povich said there is a deeper purpose to #Maury: “I’m looking for the truth. If I can prove someone is the father of this child, that child will have a better chance in life with ... two parents.” latimes.com/entertainment-…

“I feel there’s a [greater] good. And I prove that,” says Povich. “I bring these guests back 15 years later and find out that the guy did get into the kid’s life, got together with the mother and they had more kids and the child ended up with a good job.” latimes.com/entertainment-…

As for what’s next, Povich promises one thing: “This is the end of a great job, and there’s no reason to try something else. We’ve seen too many athletes try to hang on too long. I don’t want to be in that company.” latimes.com/entertainment-…

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