Ed Sullivan: The Impresario Who Brought Variety to American Homes

Edward Vincent Sullivan was born on September 28, 1901, in Harlem, New York City. He was the son of Elizabeth F. (née Smith) and Peter Arthur Sullivan, a customs house employee. Sullivan's twin brother, Daniel, was sickly and lived only a few months. The Sullivan family later moved to Port Chester, New York, where Ed was raised in a small red brick home on Washington Street.

Growing up, Sullivan was a gifted athlete, excelling in high school sports like football, basketball, and track. He was the captain of his baseball team, leading them to several championships. Sullivan noted that integration was the norm in his high school sports, unlike some other parts of the country at the time. This early exposure to diversity would later shape his inclusive approach to entertainment.

After graduating, Sullivan landed his first job at The Port Chester Daily Item, a local newspaper where he had written sports news during his school days. He went on to work for several other publications, including The Hartford Post, The New York Evening Mail, and The New York Daily News, where he became a popular Broadway columnist known for his "Little Old New York" feature.

Entry Into Radio

In 1941, Sullivan's career took a turn when he became the host of the CBS radio program "Summer Silver Theater," a variety show featuring a different guest star each week. This experience would prove invaluable as he transitioned to the emerging medium of television.

Sullivan's success on radio caught the attention of television producer Marlo Lewis, who convinced CBS to hire him as the host of a new weekly variety show called "Toast of the Town" in 1948. The program, which was later renamed "The Ed Sullivan Show," would go on to become one of the longest-running and most influential television shows in history.

The Ed Sullivan Show: A Variety Institution

Despite initial skepticism from television critics, who questioned Sullivan's on-camera presence and acting abilities, "The Ed Sullivan Show" quickly became a Sunday night institution in American homes. The program's format featured a diverse array of performers, from vaudeville acts and comedians to singers, dancers, and even the occasional athlete or puppet.

Sullivan's unique hosting style, which was often described as stiff and awkward, paradoxically endeared him to audiences. As one critic noted, "Instead of frightening children, Ed Sullivan charms the whole family." His genuine enthusiasm for the performers and his ability to introduce them with a sense of excitement and anticipation resonated with viewers.

The show's international scope was also a hallmark, with many European acts appearing alongside American artists. Sullivan's commitment to showcasing diverse talent, including pioneering appearances by Black entertainers, set him apart from other variety programs of the era.

Navigating Controversies and Conflicts

Sullivan was not without his controversies, however. He was known for his quick temper and thin skin, leading to several high-profile conflicts with performers over the years. One notable incident occurred in 1955 when rock 'n' roll singer Bo Diddley refused to perform the song Sullivan had requested, instead opting to play his own hit "Diddley Daddy." The resulting on-air confrontation led to a long-lasting rift between the two.

Similarly, Sullivan's initial reluctance to book acts like Elvis Presley and The Beatles, due to concerns over their perceived controversial images, eventually gave way to their overwhelming popularity. After getting to know Presley personally, Sullivan famously told his audience, "This is a real decent, fine boy." And when The Beatles made their historic debut on the show in 1964, it became the most-watched television program to that point.

Sullivan's political leanings also caused some tension, as he worked closely with the anti-communist organization Counterattack to vet potential guests for any perceived leftist sympathies. This led to the exclusion of some performers, such as folk singer Pete Seeger, from appearing on the show.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite the occasional controversies, "The Ed Sullivan Show" remained a beloved and influential fixture of American television for over two decades, from its debut in 1948 to its final episode in 1971. The program set a record as the longest-running variety show in U.S. broadcast history, and its impact on popular culture is still felt today.

Sullivan's unique hosting style, his appreciation for diverse talent, and his ability to introduce groundbreaking acts to a mainstream audience cemented his legacy as a true pioneer of television. As one critic aptly described, "It was, by almost any measure, the last great American TV show."

Even after his retirement, Sullivan's influence continued to be felt through the many impersonators and parodies of his distinctive mannerisms and catchphrases. Actors like Gig Young and Jerry Lewis famously portrayed Sullivan on screen, capturing the essence of the iconic host.

Works and Appearances

Radio

"Summer Silver Theater" (1941) - Host

Television

"Toast of the Town" (1948-1955) - Host
"The Ed Sullivan Show" (1955-1971) - Host
Appeared as himself in various TV programs, including "Mr. Adams and Eve" (1958), "What's My Line?" (1958), and "The Red Skelton Show" (1961)

Film

"Mr. Broadway" (1933) - Starred as himself, guiding the audience through New York nightspots
Appeared as himself in Jerry Lewis' 1964 film "The Patsy"

Publications

Columnist for the New York Daily News and the Chicago Tribune New York News Syndicate
Authored the 1952 three-part series "My Story" for Collier's Magazine

Other Media

Produced vaudeville shows and benefit reviews in the 1920s and 1930s
Delivered showbusiness news broadcasts on radio

Ed Sullivan's legacy as a pioneering television host and impresario of variety entertainment is undeniable. Through his iconic program, he introduced countless groundbreaking acts to American audiences, showcasing a diverse array of talent and shaping the landscape of popular culture for over two decades. Despite his sometimes-quirky on-screen persona, Sullivan's genuine enthusiasm and commitment to showcasing the best of show business cemented his place as a true icon of old-time television.

Ed Sullivan: The Impresario of Old-Time Television

Enjoys some shows