Jack Barry (game show host) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Barry
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Barry in 1957 as host of Twenty-One
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| Born |
Jack Barasch
March 20, 1918 Lindenhurst, New York, U.S.
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| Died | May 2, 1984 (aged 66) Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
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| Occupation | Game show host |
| Years active | 1942–1984 |
| Spouse(s) |
Marcia Van Dyke
(m. 1952; div. 1958)Patte Preble
(m. 1960) |
| Children | 4 (2 children with each spouse) |
Jack Barry (born Jack Barasch; March 20, 1918 – May 2, 1984) was a famous American TV host and producer. He was known for creating and hosting many exciting game shows. He worked with his partner, Dan Enright, at their company, Barry & Enright Productions. Jack faced a big challenge in his career because of some problems with game shows in the 1950s. This made things difficult for him for a long time.
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Jack Barry's Early Life and Career
Jack Barry grew up in Lindenhurst, New York, on Long Island. He went to Lindenhurst Senior High School and later studied at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. In the 1940s, Jack started his career in radio. He hosted shows on stations like AM 710 WOR. This is also where he met Dan Enright, who would become his business partner.
Working on Canadian TV Shows
In 1966, Jack Barry accepted an offer from Dan Enright. Dan was working in Canada and wanted to create new quiz shows. Jack hosted several shows filmed in Canada, like Photo Finish in Montreal. He also hosted It's a Match and The Little People in Toronto. Many young producers and directors, like Mark Phillips, got their start on these shows.
Jack did not move to Canada. Instead, he traveled from his home in Los Angeles. He would work for about 10 days at a time, taping many episodes. This long commute became very tiring for Jack and his family. For a short time, Jack moved his family to Southern Spain to find a more affordable place to live.
Jack Barry's Big Comeback
Jack Barry wanted to rebuild his career. He borrowed money to buy a radio station in Redondo Beach, California. He wanted to show that his reputation was clear after the game show issues. He believed that if the FCC gave him a license, it would prove he was trusted again.
Developing New Game Shows
Slowly, Jack started getting calls to host shows again. In December 1968, he began working on an idea that would become his most successful game show. He developed and produced two pilot episodes for The Joker's Wild. Allen Ludden hosted these first pilots.
Returning to Hosting
In 1969, Jack Barry became a host once more. He hosted ABC's The Generation Gap for its final weeks. He also worked with Goodson-Todman Productions for a short time to create new game shows.
Jack even brought Dan Enright back as a producer for The Joker's Wild. They fully renewed their partnership in 1976. They launched Break the Bank, hosted by Tom Kennedy, on ABC. When ABC canceled the show, Jack hosted and produced it himself for weekly TV showings.
Jack Barry's Legacy
Jack Barry also started a special TV company called Jack Barry Cable. This company provided services to customers in the Los Angeles area. After Jack Barry's sudden passing in 1984, Dan Enright continued to run their company, Barry & Enright Productions. The company kept its original name to honor Jack.
Images for kids
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Barry in 1957 as host of Twenty-One
