Wee Willie Webber facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wee Willie Webber
Born	(1929-06-11)June 11, 1929 Havana, Cuba
Died	May 23, 2010(2010-05-23) (aged 80) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Other names	Wee Willie, Bill Webber
Occupation	Broadcaster, Radio Personality
Years active	1948–2010
Spouse(s)	Constance Russell ​ (m. 1958)​
Children	Bill Webber Jr. (b. 1959) Wendy Webber (b. 1963)

Bill "Wee Willie" Webber (June 11, 1929 – May 23, 2010) was a famous American radio and television personality. He was a pioneer in broadcasting, meaning he was one of the first and most important people in this field. Bill Webber worked in radio and TV in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area for over 50 years. He was known for his friendly voice and for hosting popular children's shows.

Early Life and Army Days

Bill Webber was born in Havana, Cuba, on June 11, 1929. His father was British. Bill's grandfather was an engineer who helped build the streets of Havana. Later, his family moved to the United States. Bill grew up in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. He went to Bushwick High School.

After World War II, Bill joined the United States Army. He worked as a mapmaker while stationed in Japan. While in Japan, he tried out for the Armed Forces Radio. He got the job and was nicknamed "Honshu Cowboy" because he played country music. Being in the Army helped Bill become a U.S. citizen.

A Career in Broadcasting

Bill Webber started his long career in broadcasting in 1948. His first job was at WGYN, an FM radio station in New York City. He also worked at other radio stations in Manhattan and Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Early TV and Radio Shows

In 1953, Bill became an announcer at WEEU-TV in Reading, Pennsylvania. Then, in 1954, he moved to Philadelphia. He started working at WFIL and WFIL-FM radio stations.

In 1956, Bill joined WFIL-TV (Channel 6) in Philadelphia. He became the host of Breakfast Time. This was a two-hour morning show for children. It featured cartoons, weather updates, and sports news. This show was very popular and aired until the 1960s.

Hosting Children's Programs

In 1963, Bill moved to WRCV-TV (Channel 3). Here, he hosted a quiz show. However, this show was canceled in 1965. This happened because another show, The Mike Douglas Show, moved to Philadelphia.

After that, Bill hosted the Wee Willie Webber Colorful Cartoon Club. This was a fun after-school show on WPHL-TV (Channel 17). It ran for 10 years, from 1965 to 1975. From 1976 to 1979, he hosted a similar show on WKBS-TV (Channel 48).

Radio Success and Later Years

In the late 1960s, Bill became a popular radio host at WIP radio. He hosted the 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. show. He stayed in this time slot on WIP into the 1980s. Later, you could hear Bill on WPEN radio from 1989 to 2005. From 2007 until 2010, he hosted shows on WHAT radio and WVLT in Vineland, New Jersey.

Bill Webber was honored for his work many times. He was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 1999. He also served as the president and chairman of this organization. In 2006, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia named him their Person of the Year.

Later Life and Passing

Bill Webber passed away on May 23, 2010, at the age of 80. He died from a heart attack in Philadelphia. He was waiting for heart surgery at the time. Bill was survived by his wife, Constance, his daughter, Wendy, his son, William Jr., and four grandchildren.

Television Appearances

Radio Appearances

• WPHL-TV Channel 17 50th Anniversary Show - Intro/Sign On/Wee Willie Webber on Vimeo