Bud Collyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bud Collyer
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Collyer in 1962
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| Born |
Clayton Johnson Heermance, Jr.
June 18, 1908 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | September 8, 1969 (aged 61) Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Williams College |
| Occupation | Radio announcer, game show host |
| Years active | 1930s–1969 |
| Spouse(s) |
Heloise Law Green
(m. 1936, divorced)Marian Shockley
(m. 1947–1969) |
| Children | 3 |
Bud Collyer (born Clayton Johnson Heermance Jr., June 18, 1908 – September 8, 1969) was a famous American radio and television star. He was a talented radio actor, announcer, and game show host. Many people remember him as one of the first big stars of TV game shows.
He is best known for hosting Beat the Clock and To Tell the Truth. But before that, he was also the voice of Clark Kent / Superman on radio and in cartoons. Bud Collyer also recorded many children's albums, some of which told Bible stories. This showed his strong connection to his church.
Contents
Early Life and Radio Career
Bud Collyer was born in Manhattan, New York City. He first wanted to become a lawyer. He studied at Williams College and Fordham University law school. After finishing law school, he worked as a law clerk.
However, he soon found that he could earn much more money in radio. So, he decided to make broadcasting his full-time job. He changed his last name to Collyer. By 1940, his voice was well-known on many major radio networks. He acted in several radio shows, like The Man I Married and Terry and the Pirates. He was also an announcer for popular radio soap operas, including The Guiding Light.
The Voice of Superman
Bud Collyer's most famous radio role began in 1940. He became the voice of Superman in The Adventures of Superman. He also voiced Superman in the Superman animated cartoons. Collyer voiced both Superman and his secret identity, Clark Kent. Joan Alexander voiced Lois Lane alongside him.
In every episode, Clark Kent would change into Superman. Collyer created this effect by changing his voice. He would say, "This is a job for Superman!" and his voice would drop from a higher pitch (for Clark Kent) to a deep, strong voice (for Superman). This special ability saved the show money because they only needed one actor for both roles. In 1966, Collyer returned to voice Superman again for The New Adventures of Superman on TV.
Hosting Game Shows
Bud Collyer started hosting game shows early in his career. He co-hosted Break the Bank and hosted the radio version of Winner Take All. He later hosted the TV versions of both shows.
Beat the Clock Fun
In 1950, Bud Collyer became a household name when he started hosting Beat the Clock. This game show had couples race against a clock to complete funny and sometimes messy tasks. These tasks were called "problems" or "stunts." Winners could get cash or home appliances.
Collyer was great at keeping the show exciting. He spoke quickly and moved around the stage a lot. He often gave helpful tips to contestants during their stunts. One of his trademarks was holding his long microphone under his arm. He also often wore bow ties and liked to point out other "bow-tie guys." He enjoyed talking to contestants' families and especially liked children. He would ask kids what they wanted to be when they grew up.
The show was very popular. Even an episode of The Honeymooners featured the characters Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton playing on the actual Beat the Clock set. Collyer even ended the episode with his famous sign-off: "Next time may be your time to beat the clock."
To Tell the Truth Suspense
In 1956, Collyer became even more famous as the host of To Tell the Truth on CBS. This show featured a panel of four celebrities. Three challengers would all claim to be the same person. Collyer would read a statement from the real person. Then, the celebrities would ask questions to figure out who was telling the truth.
Because this show was about talking, Collyer was much calmer than on Beat the Clock. After the celebrities voted, Collyer would say his famous line: "Will the real... John Doe... please... stand up?" He would pause to build suspense. Sometimes, the fake contestants would pretend to stand up, which always made Collyer chuckle. Once, two baseball players named Bob Miller appeared, and both stood up when Collyer called for the "real" Bob Miller.
The show was so popular that it aired both during the day and in the evening. Collyer hosted both versions at the same time. Many famous people were on the celebrity panel, including Peggy Cass, Orson Bean, and Kitty Carlisle.
Other Shows Hosted
Bud Collyer also hosted other game shows. These included Talent Jackpot and On Your Way on the DuMont network. He also hosted Feather Your Nest and Number Please on ABC.
Spirituality and Helping Others
Religion and charity were very important to Bud Collyer. He was always happy when contestants said they would donate their winnings to their church or to charities. He often told contestants "God bless you" as they left. He especially liked it when ministers were on his show and would ask about their church. On Beat the Clock, he often shared messages about charities like the March of Dimes.
Collyer taught Sunday school at his Presbyterian church in Connecticut for over 35 years. He also spent time helping out at his church. He was known for giving to Christian religious projects. He even wrote two inspirational books, Thou Shalt Not Fear (1962) and With the Whole Heart (1966). He also recorded the New Testament from the Good News Bible.
Later Years and Passing
When the creators of To Tell the Truth wanted to bring the show back, they asked Bud Collyer to host again. But Collyer said no because he was not feeling well. He passed away at age 61 from a circulatory ailment in Greenwich, Connecticut. This was on the same day the new To Tell The Truth show first aired.
Bud Collyer is buried at Putnam Cemetery in Greenwich. In 1985, DC Comics honored him in their 50th-anniversary publication, Fifty Who Made DC Great.
Family Life
Bud Collyer had a sister, film actress June Collyer, and a brother, film producer Richard Heermance.
He married Heloise Law Green in 1936, but they later divorced. In 1947, he married actress Marian Shockley. He had two daughters, Cynthia and Pat, and a son, Michael.
Images for kids
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Marian Shockley and Bud Collyer with their children in 1953
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Bud Collyer's grave
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His footstone
