Dennis James facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dennis James
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James on syndicated version of The Price Is Right in 1975
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| Born |
Demie James Sposa
August 24, 1917 Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Died | June 3, 1997 (aged 79) Palm Springs, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) |
| Occupation | Actor Television personality Game show host Announcer |
| Years active | 1937–1997 |
| Spouse(s) | Micki Crawford |
| Children | 3 |
Dennis James (born Demie James Sposa, August 24, 1917 – June 3, 1997) was a famous American television personality. He was also known for helping others and for appearing in many commercials. People called him the "Godfather of Gameshows" because he hosted so many of them.
Dennis James was the host of the very first game show on a TV network, called Cash and Carry, in 1946. He was also the first person to host a telethon (a long TV show to raise money for charity). He helped raise over $750,000,000 for United Cerebral Palsy! He was also the first to appear in a TV commercial and the first to be seen on video tape. He had more than 25 "firsts" in television history!
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Early Life and Start in TV
Dennis James was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. His parents, Demetrio Ernest Sposa and Teresa Amorosi, were of Italian descent. He started his career as an announcer on radio stations.
In 1943, he began working in television. He appeared on one of the first TV stations in New York City, which later became part of the DuMont Television Network. By 1946, Dennis James was hosting many shows. He hosted DuMont Beepstakes and then Cash and Carry, which was very popular. He also announced wrestling and boxing shows.
He hosted a daytime variety show called Okay, Mother. During his sports shows, he often spoke to the audience as "Mother." He did this so that men wouldn't feel silly if he explained the rules of a game. He thought they would accept that he was just explaining things for the women watching!
Hosting Game Shows
Dennis James became famous for hosting game shows. His first network game show was Cash and Carry in 1946. Over the years, he hosted many different shows. These included The Name's the Same, Haggis Baggis, and PDQ. He also hosted talent shows like Chance of a Lifetime.
One of his most famous roles was hosting The New Price Is Right for syndicated TV. This was a weekly version of the show that aired in the evenings. Bob Barker hosted the daytime version on CBS. Dennis James hosted the nighttime Price Is Right from 1972 to 1977. He even filled in for Bob Barker a few times on the daytime show. His time on The Price Is Right was the end of his main game show career.
Other Work and Helping Others
Besides game shows, Dennis James was a popular spokesman for commercials. He advertised products like Kellogg's cereals. His catchphrase, "Okay? Okay!", became well-known in his commercials.
He was also very dedicated to charity. He hosted the first ever telethon to raise money for a good cause. For 47 years, he was the main host for the United Cerebral Palsy Association's telethons in New York City. He also hosted telethons in other cities across the United States. His son, Brad, even joined him on the telethons for many years.
Dennis James also acted in TV shows and movies. He appeared in TV series like "Batman" and "Fantasy Island." On the big screen, he was in films like "Rocky III."
In 1980, Dennis James moved to Palm Springs, California. There, he hosted many charity events every year. These included events for Childhelp International and golf tournaments like the Frank Sinatra Golf Classic. In 1996, he received a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
For his amazing work in television, Dennis James has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Many famous people, like Bob Hope, came to celebrate when his star was dedicated.
The United Cerebral Palsy office in the Inland Empire is named the Dennis James Center. His family continues to hold a golf fundraiser in his honor every year.
In 2017, a book about his life was published, called "OK? OK! Dennis James' Lifetime of Firsts."
Death
Dennis James passed away on June 3, 1997, from lung cancer at his home in Palm Springs. He was buried at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Mister Universe | Announcer | |
| 1978 | The One and Only | Himself | |
| 1982 | Rocky III | Wrestling Commentator #1 | |
| 1996 | The Method | Dean Harrison | (final film role) |
See also
In Spanish: Dennis James para niños
