Bill Idelson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Idelson
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![]() Idelson in 1937
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Born | Forest Park, Illinois, U.S.
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August 21, 1919
Died | December 31, 2007 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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(aged 88)
Occupation | Television, voice actor, screenwriter, producer |
Bill Idelson (born August 21, 1919 – died December 31, 2007) was a talented American actor, writer, director, and producer. He was well-known for playing Rush Gook on the radio comedy Vic and Sade when he was a teenager. Later, in the 1960s, he became famous for his role as Herman Glimscher on the TV show The Dick Van Dyke Show.
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About Bill Idelson
Bill Idelson was born in Forest Park, Illinois. His parents had moved to the U.S. from Russia.
During World War II, Bill joined the U.S. Navy. He was a night fighter pilot. For his bravery, he received special awards like the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals.
After the war, Bill married actress Seemah Wilder. They had three sons named Paul, Howie, and Jonathan. They also had a daughter, Ellen Idelson, who became a TV writer and actress. Sadly, Ellen passed away in 2003.
Bill Idelson died in 2007. He had complications from a hip injury. Many people remembered him fondly. Norman Corwin, a famous writer and director, said Bill was "a luminary," meaning he was a very bright and important person among radio comedians. Carl Reiner, who created The Dick Van Dyke Show, called Bill "a very subtle actor." He said Bill could make people laugh with small movements.
Bill Idelson's Career
Bill Idelson had a long and successful career in entertainment.
Radio Work
Bill started acting on the radio in 1931. He was just 12 years old! His first role was Skeezix on Uncle Walt and Skeezix in Chicago. This show was based on a popular comic strip.
A year later, he got the part of Rush on the long-running show Vic and Sade. He played this role until he joined the U.S. Navy. He also played the main character on Cousin Willie and was Bill Clark on Secret City. He also appeared as Hugo on The Trouble with the Truitts and Chuck on That Brewster Boy.
After the war, he continued acting on radio. He also appeared in the TV version of the drama series One Man's Family.
Television Roles
On The Dick Van Dyke Show, Bill Idelson played Herman Glimscher. Herman was the shy boyfriend of Sally Rogers, played by Rose Marie. Carl Reiner explained that Herman could not marry because his mother had to approve. Sometimes, Herman even brought his mother along on dates with Sally!
Years later, Bill Idelson played Herman Glimscher again for a reunion show of The Dick Van Dyke Show. In this reunion, Herman was finally married to Sally.
Bill also appeared as a guest star on many other popular TV shows. These included Dragnet, The Twilight Zone, My Favorite Martian, The Odd Couple, Happy Days, Perry Mason, and Will & Grace. On Will & Grace, he even appeared with his wife and daughter.
Writing for TV
Bill Idelson was also a talented writer. He wrote an episode of The Twilight Zone called Long Distance Call in 1960.
He then wrote several episodes for The Dick Van Dyke Show. This led to more writing jobs for other famous shows like Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., The Andy Griffith Show, Get Smart, The Odd Couple, M*A*S*H, and Happy Days.
Bill won two Writers Guild Awards for best comedy episodes. One was for an episode of Get Smart, and the other was for an episode of The Andy Griffith Show.
Producing TV Shows
Besides acting and writing, Bill Idelson also worked as a producer. He helped create shows like The McLean Stevenson Show, The Bob Newhart Show, Anna and the King, and Love, American Style.
Film Appearance
Bill Idelson also appeared in one film. He played the head of a band organization in the movie Pete Kelly's Blues.
Books Written by Bill Idelson
Bill Idelson was also an author. He wrote three books:
- The Story of Vic and Sade
- Gibby (a novel about a fighter pilot, which was partly about his own life)
- Bill Idelson's Writing Class