Earle Graser facts for kids

Earle Graser (March 3, 1909 – April 8, 1941) was an American radio actor. He worked at radio station WXYZ in Detroit, Michigan. He is best known for being the voice of the famous character, the Lone Ranger. He played this role from April 1933 until April 1941.

Early Life and Education

Earle Graser was born as Earl Walter Grasser in a city called Berlin, Ontario, Canada. This city is now known as Kitchener. His parents were Solomon Grasser and Mary Anne Klemmer. His family later moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1918.

After moving, Earle changed his name to Earle Graser. He went to high school in Detroit. Then, he attended Wayne University (now Wayne State University). There, he studied acting, drama, and public speaking. He also studied law for two years. While working, he continued his studies and earned a master's degree in speech.

First Jobs and Hobbies

During high school, Earle worked part-time at a drugstore. He also delivered groceries. He always wanted a nickname and asked his friends to call him "Barney." This name came from a horse that pulled the grocery wagon.

In 1928, he got a job at the Michigan Theater in Detroit. He was an usher and sometimes announced the next organ music. He even had small parts in live stage shows. In 1931, he joined a traveling show that performed in Michigan.

In 1932, Earle Graser was hired by James Jewell at Detroit radio station WXYZ. He started as a small-part actor. For fun, he enjoyed swimming, playing badminton, and gardening. He also sang bass in his church choir. Earle hoped to own a farm, play the character Hamlet, and teach drama at a college.

Becoming the Lone Ranger

The radio show The Lone Ranger first aired on January 30, 1933. Earle Graser was one of five actors who tried out for the main role. He was chosen to play the Lone Ranger starting on April 16, 1933.

Since radio shows were live back then, Earle had two actors ready to fill in for him. But he never missed a single performance. His voice was heard three times a week on 150 stations. These shows were performed three times each day for different time zones. Later, some performances were recorded for stations not connected to the live network.

Keeping the Secret

The creators of The Lone Ranger wanted the character to remain a mystery. Because of this, Earle Graser was only allowed to act as the Lone Ranger on the radio. His true identity was kept secret from most people.

John Todd, the actor who played Tonto, was a good friend of Earle's. They often spent time together after work. There's a fun story about Earle and his wife at a nightclub. A prize was offered for the best "Hi-Yo, Silver!" shout. Earle entered the contest but didn't win!

Even though Earle was the voice, another actor named Brace Beemer appeared as the Lone Ranger in public. This was because the station owner, George Trendle, felt that Earle Graser didn't look like the hero. Brace Beemer was tall and athletic. He could ride horses and was an expert shot. Earle was shorter, a bit chubby, and didn't know how to ride horses.

Death and Lasting Impact

On April 8, 1941, Earle Graser died in a car accident in Farmington, Michigan. His car crashed into a parked truck trailer. It was thought he might have fallen asleep while driving home from the WXYZ studios. He had just finished three performances.

Earle was survived by his wife, Jeanne, and their 15-month-old daughter, Gabrielle. By the time he died, he had voiced the Lone Ranger about 1,300 times. His show had about 15 million listeners in many countries. After his death, people finally learned that he was the voice of the Lone Ranger. He was buried in Detroit's Grand Lawn Cemetery.

Botsford-Graser House Historic Site Farmington Hills Michigan

In 2002, Earle Graser's home was recognized as a historic site. A marker there remembers him as "Radio's Original 'Lone Ranger'." It also mentions that few people knew his real name, but millions knew his voice.

After Earle Graser's death, Brace Beemer took over as the voice of the Lone Ranger. He continued the role until the show ended in 1955. Most of Earle Graser's performances were live and not recorded. So, many modern audiences remember his successor more. However, Earle's voice continued to be heard. The radio and TV shows kept using his recorded voice for the famous "Hi-Yo, Silver!" shout.