Trivia

Grandson of Ben Zindler, an Austrian immigrant that arrived in New York City (1888), but later moved to Galveston, Texas in 1892.

Nephew of Mitchell Zindler, who took over Abe Zindler's clothing store franchise (Zindler's) in Houston, Texas.

Marvin's father, Abe Zindler, was the mayor of Bellaire, Texas.

Former Harris County Deputy Sheriff.

Signed a lifetime contract with KTRK-TV/Capital Cities (now ABC 13) in 1988.

The fictional character of Melvin V. Thorpe in the film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) was in fact, based on Marvin's real-life 'final' career as an investigative reporter with KTRK-TV Channel 13 (or ABC13) in Houston, TX. To date, what he does as Houston's first investigative reporter is a milestone in his career since serving as a deputy sheriff.

Is very open about the numerous plastic surgeries he's undergone and spends much of his time raising funds for those who need plastic surgery to correct defects.

Served in the Marines during World War II.

Although he was a very wealthy individual he lived the upper middle class area of Meyerland in Houston, Texas in the home he had owned for over 30 years.

Continued to work until his very final days of life from his hospital bed. His last report filed for the news broadcast at KTRK-TV in Houston aired on the evening of July 28, 2007 just a day before his death.

Brother of Abe Zindler Jr., Sterling Zindler, Warren Zindler (killed during World War II), and Kenneth Zindler.

Does a weekly restaurant report, in which he reports health code violations of restaurants in the Houston area. An audience favorite is when he reports "slime in the ice machine."

Was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in July of 2007 and underwent treatment at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in the Texas Medical Center before his death at approximately 6:15 PM CST on July 29, 2007 in the hospital with family members by his bedside.

Prostate cancer survivor (1994).

Attended San Jacinto High School in Houston, Texas with Walter Cronkite.