Freeman Gosden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Freeman Gosden
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Freeman Gosden at right with Charles Correll, 1939.
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| Born |
Freeman Fisher Gosden
May 5, 1899 Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
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| Died | December 10, 1982 (aged 83) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Radio comedian, actor, pioneer |
| Years active | 1921–1962 |
| Known for | Amos of Amos 'n' Andy |
| Spouse(s) |
Leta Gosden
(m. 1927; div. 1940)Jane Stoneham
(m. 1944; died 1982) |
| Children | 4 |
Freeman Fisher "Gozzie" Gosden (born May 5, 1899 – died December 10, 1982) was an American actor and comedian. He was a pioneer in creating funny radio shows called 'situation comedies'. He is most famous for his role in the popular radio series Amos 'n' Andy.
Contents
Early Life and Radio Beginnings
Freeman Gosden was born in Richmond, Virginia. As a young person, he worked part-time at a drug store. During World War I, he joined the U.S. Navy. He worked as a wireless operator, which sparked his interest in radio.
In 1921, Gosden started working with Charles Correll in radio. They met in Durham, North Carolina. Together, they performed comedy acts and hosted different shows. Their first regular show began in 1925. It was called Correll and Gosden, the Life of the Party. On this show, they told jokes, sang, and played music. Correll played the piano, and Gosden played the ukulele or banjo.
What Was Sam 'n' Henry?
In 1926, Gosden and Correll created a successful radio show called Sam 'n' Henry. It was broadcast by a radio station in Chicago. Some historians believe Sam 'n' Henry was the very first situation comedy. A situation comedy is a type of show that follows a group of characters through funny situations.
The Famous Amos 'n' Andy Show
From 1928 to 1960, Gosden and Correll broadcast their most famous program, Amos 'n' Andy. This show became one of the most popular radio series of the 1930s. Gosden voiced many characters, including "Amos", "George 'Kingfish' Stevens", "Lightning", and "Brother Crawford".
In 1961 and 1962, Gosden and Correll also provided voices for an animated TV show. It was called Calvin and the Colonel and aired on ABC-TV.
Achievements and Later Life
In 1969, Freeman Gosden received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This honored his important work in radio. He was also inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1977, along with Charles Correll.
Gosden was a good friend of singer Frank Sinatra. In 1976, Gosden was the best man at Sinatra's wedding to Barbara Marx.
Family Life
Freeman Gosden had four children. Their names were Virginia, Craig, Freeman Jr., and Linda.
Gosden passed away on December 10, 1982, in Los Angeles, California. He was 83 years old.
See also
In Spanish: Freeman Gosden para niños
