Tony Kahn facts for kids
Tony Kahn is an American writer, broadcaster, and expert who creates interesting stories for radio and books. He is the son of Gordon Kahn, a screenwriter who faced difficulties during a time called the Hollywood blacklist.
Tony's Early Life
Tony Kahn grew up in Los Angeles, California. His father, Gordon Kahn, was a writer for movies. In the 1950s, during a time known as the Red Scare, his father had to leave the United States. When Tony was five years old, he joined his family in Cuernavaca, Mexico.
Later, his family moved back to the United States. Tony went to Harvard University and graduated with high honors. He also earned a master's degree from Columbia University, where he studied Slavic languages and cultures.
Tony's Work
Tony Kahn has worked in many different areas, but he is most famous for his work in public radio. He is a regular guest on the public radio quiz show Says You!, where he shares his knowledge and wit.
He also created and directed a program called Morning Stories for WGBH radio. He even hosted its podcast version, which was one of the first public radio podcasts! Tony was also the first host of PRI's The World, a show that explores global news and cultures. He also contributed to Savvy Traveler on Minnesota Public Radio. From 1982 to 1985, Tony hosted a special part of the nightly news show Chronicle on WCVB-TV, where he shared his thoughts on social topics.
Tony produced, wrote, and narrated a special six-part radio series called Blacklisted. This series was about his own childhood experiences as the son of a blacklisted screenwriter. Many famous actors, like Ron Leibman and Carroll O'Connor, helped bring this story to life.
Tony has won many awards for his broadcasting work. These include several New England Emmys, Gold Medals from the New York International Festival, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Feature Reporting.
Besides radio, Tony Kahn is also an author and illustrator. He has created two graphic memoirs, which are like comic books that tell true stories from his life. These books are called "Fugitive: My Boyhood Under the Hollywood Blacklist" and "Walloped: A Story of Father and Sons." He also wrote a play called "Hound and Fox: A Cold War Affair."
