Don Ameche: Radio's Versatile Entertainer and Hollywood Star

Don Ameche was born as Dominic Felix Amici on May 31, 1908, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His father, Felice Amici, was an Italian immigrant who worked as a bartender, while his mother, Barbara Etta Hertel, had Scottish, Irish, and German ancestry. Ameche was the second-oldest of eight children, with siblings including brothers Umberto, James, and Louis, and sisters Elizabeth, Catherine, Mary, and Anna.

Growing up, Ameche attended Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin, where he excelled in college dramatics. His talent for performance soon led him to the stage, and in the late 1920s, he found work with a stock company production of "Excess Baggage" after the lead actor failed to show up. Ameche's natural charisma and acting skills impressed the director, and he was soon offered a juvenile lead role in the play "Jerry For Short" in New York. This was followed by a stint in vaudeville with the legendary entertainer Texas Guinan, though she ultimately dismissed him as "too stiff" for the act.

Entry Into Radio

Undeterred, Ameche moved to Chicago in 1930 and began his career in radio, landing a role on the program "Empire Builders," which was broadcast from the Merchandise Mart. By 1932, he had become the leading man on two other popular Chicago-based radio shows: the dramatic anthology "The First Nighter Program" and the soap opera-style "Betty and Bob."

Ameche's captivating voice and magnetic stage presence quickly made him a rising star in the world of radio. His talent caught the eye of 20th Century Fox producer Darryl Zanuck, who brought Ameche to Hollywood in 1935 to begin a successful film career. However, Ameche never abandoned his radio roots, and throughout the 1940s, he continued to lend his talents to a variety of programs, including his own show, "The Old Gold Don Ameche Show," on the NBC Red network.

Notable Radio Shows and Characters

One of Ameche's most memorable radio roles was as the husband in the long-running comedy series "The Bickersons," which he starred in alongside actress Frances Langford. The show, created by writer Philip Rapp, centered on the bickering and bantering of a married couple, with Ameche and Langford delivering their lines with impeccable comedic timing and chemistry. "The Bickersons" was a hit, first airing on NBC in 1946 before moving to CBS the following year.

In addition to his work on "The Bickersons," Ameche also hosted the variety program "International Showtime" on NBC from 1961 to 1965, showcasing a wide range of international performers and acts. His versatility as a performer allowed him to seamlessly transition between dramatic, comedic, and hosting roles, cementing his status as a true radio Renaissance man.

Broadcasting Style and Signature Techniques

Ameche's distinctive voice and charismatic on-air presence were key to his success in radio. He possessed a rich, velvety baritone that lent an air of sophistication and authority to his performances, whether he was playing a romantic lead or a comedic character. Ameche's impeccable timing and delivery, honed through years of experience, allowed him to bring a sense of naturalism and realism to his roles, drawing the listener into the world of the story.

Additionally, Ameche was known for his ability to effortlessly shift between different characters and accents, a skill that served him well in the diverse world of old-time radio. His versatility and adaptability made him a valuable asset to producers and directors, who could rely on him to bring a wide range of roles to life with equal skill and conviction.

Professional Relationships and Collaborations

Throughout his career, Ameche forged strong professional relationships with a number of notable figures in the entertainment industry. His work with writer Philip Rapp on "The Bickersons" radio series was particularly fruitful, with the two men collaborating to create a beloved and enduring comedy duo. Ameche also enjoyed a long-standing partnership with actress Frances Langford, with whom he shared a natural chemistry and comedic rapport.

In the world of film, Ameche's association with 20th Century Fox producer Darryl Zanuck proved pivotal, as Zanuck helped to launch Ameche's successful transition from radio to the silver screen. Ameche went on to work with a number of Hollywood's top leading ladies, including Alice Faye, Carmen Miranda, and Betty Grable, further cementing his status as a versatile and sought-after leading man.

Transition to Other Media

While Ameche's roots were firmly planted in radio, he was able to successfully transition to other media throughout his career. In the late 1930s and 1940s, he became a popular leading man in Hollywood, starring in a number of successful films, including "Midnight" (1939), "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell" (1939), and "Hollywood Cavalcade" (1939).

Ameche's portrayal of Alexander Graham Bell in the latter film was particularly notable, as it led to the coining of the term "ameche" as slang for a telephone, a testament to the enduring impact of his performance.

As Ameche's film career began to wane in the 1950s, he turned his attention to television, hosting the variety program "International Showtime" on NBC from 1961 to 1965. He also made guest appearances on a number of television shows, including an episode of the hit series "The Golden Girls" in 1990.

Legacy and Influence

Don Ameche's impact on the world of old-time radio cannot be overstated. His versatility, charisma, and technical mastery made him a true icon of the medium, and his influence can be felt in the work of countless performers who followed in his footsteps.

Ameche's ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic, comedic, and hosting roles, as well as his skill in creating memorable characters and voices, set him apart from many of his contemporaries. His work on shows like "The Bickersons" and "The Old Gold Don Ameche Show" cemented his reputation as a master of radio performance, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence modern-day actors and entertainers.

Beyond his radio work, Ameche's successful transition to film and television further solidified his status as a versatile and accomplished performer. His Oscar-winning turn in the 1985 film "Cocoon" was a testament to his enduring talent and the respect he commanded from his peers in the industry.

Works and Appearances

Radio

"Empire Builders" (1930-1932)
"The First Nighter Program" (1932-1936)
"Betty and Bob" (1932-1936)
"The Old Gold Don Ameche Show" (early 1940s)
"The Bickersons" (1946-1947)
"International Showtime" (1961-1965)

Film

"Midnight" (1939)
"The Story of Alexander Graham Bell" (1939)
"Hollywood Cavalcade" (1939)
"Go West" (1940)
"Swanee River" (1939)
"Trading Places" (1983)
"Cocoon" (1985) - Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor
"Harry and the Hendersons" (1987)
"Coming to America" (1988)
"Cocoon: The Return" (1988)
"Things Change" (1988)

Television

"Columbo" (1971)
"The Golden Girls" (1990)

Other Media

Voiced the character of Shadow in "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" (1993)

Don Ameche: The Versatile Voice of Old-Time Radio

Enjoys some shows