Harry von Zell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry von Zell
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Harry von Zell in 1940
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Harry Rudolph von Zell
July 11, 1906 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
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| Died | November 21, 1981 (aged 75) |
| Alma mater | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Occupation | Radio announcer, film and television actor |
| Years active | 1929–1975 |
| Spouse(s) | Minerva McGarvey (m. 1925) |
| Children | 2 |
Harry Rudolph von Zell (born July 11, 1906 – died November 21, 1981) was an American radio announcer and actor. He was famous for his work on The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, a popular comedy program. He also appeared in many films and other television shows.
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Life and Career
Early Years
Harry von Zell was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. His father was a sports reporter. Harry's family later moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where he finished high school. After that, they moved to California.
In California, Harry studied music and drama at the University of California, Los Angeles. He worked different jobs to support himself. One day, his friends played a trick on him, making him sing on a radio show. People liked his voice, and soon he started getting offers from radio stations. This was the beginning of his long career in entertainment.
Becoming a Radio Announcer
Harry von Zell started in show business as a singer and announcer at a radio station in California in the mid-1920s. He later became a manager at another station. In 1929, he tried out for Paul Whiteman's radio show. He was chosen from 250 other announcers!
After that show ended in 1930, he moved to New York. He became a staff announcer for CBS, a big radio network. He worked with famous comedians like Fred Allen and Ed Wynn. He also announced popular shows like The Aldrich Family and The March of Time. During the 1920s and 1930s, Harry announced about 20 radio shows every week.
His longest job on radio was with comedian Eddie Cantor. For nine years, from 1940 to 1949, Harry was Cantor's announcer and straight man. A straight man is someone who sets up jokes for the comedian.
The "Hoobert Heever" Blooper
When Harry was a young announcer in 1931, he made a funny mistake on live radio. He was giving a tribute to the U.S. President, Herbert Hoover. At the end of his speech, he accidentally called him "Hoobert Heever." President Hoover was not there, so it wasn't a big deal. This blooper became famous later on.
Music and Comedy on Radio
Harry von Zell was also a singer. He sang on some of the first recordings for musician Charlie Barnet in 1933. In 1941, he sang on a popular NBC radio show called The Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street. He and three other announcers formed a barbershop quartet and performed together.
As an actor, Harry appeared on The Joan Davis Show. He played a character who was the love interest of another character. People would often shout his name in excitement when he entered a room. He also had his own short-lived radio show called The Smiths of Hollywood.
Film Career
Harry von Zell also acted in movies. He appeared in at least 28 films and a series of short comedy films. His first movie work was in 1943, where he narrated some old silent films. His face first appeared on screen in 1945. Some of his movies include The Saxon Charm, Dear Wife, and Son of Paleface.
Television Work
Harry von Zell was involved in the early days of television. In 1931, he described boxing matches on experimental TV broadcasts.
About 20 years later, he became well-known on television. In 1950, he was the announcer for Jackie Gleason's show, The Life of Riley.
The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show
In 1951, Harry von Zell joined The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. He replaced the previous announcer, Bill Goodwin. Harry played himself on the show, acting as a slightly confused friend of the Burns family and the show's announcer. He stayed with the show until 1958, when Gracie Allen retired. Even though his character on the show was single, Harry was married with two children in real life.
After Gracie Allen retired, Harry continued to work with George Burns. He appeared on Burns's short-lived show, The George Burns Show. Harry also wrote for and appeared in an episode of Wagon Train. He joined comedian George Gobel's show in 1959. From 1960 to 1961, he appeared in five episodes of Bachelor Father.
Harry von Zell also appeared in two episodes of Perry Mason. He was also in an episode of the western series The Tall Man and McHale's Navy. His last television appearance was in 1975 on Ellery Queen.
In his later years, Harry was a spokesperson for a savings and loan company. In 1976, he was part of a TV special called The Good Old Days of Radio, where many famous radio announcers shared their memories.
Death
Harry von Zell died from cancer on November 21, 1981. He was 75 years old. He passed away at a hospital in Woodland Hills, California. His body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in the sea.
Radio Credits
- Stars in the Air - Episode: "Weekend for Three" (1952)
See also
In Spanish: Harry von Zell para niños
