Harry Von Zell: Radio Announcer, Actor, and Entertainer Extraordinaire

Harry Rudolph von Zell was born on July 11, 1906, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the elder child of Iva Clara (née Gohn) and Harry Adolph von Zell, a sports reporter for the Indianapolis Star. The family later moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where Von Zell graduated from high school.

After the family relocated to California, Von Zell pursued his passion for music and drama at the University of California, Los Angeles. While working a variety of jobs, he was unexpectedly thrust into the world of radio when friends tricked him into singing on a local program. This serendipitous moment would prove to be the catalyst for Von Zell's remarkable career in the golden age of American broadcasting.

Entry Into Radio

Von Zell's foray into the radio industry began in the mid-1920s as a singer and announcer at KMIC, a radio station in Inglewood, California. His talent and versatility quickly caught the attention of other stations, and in late 1926, he landed a spot on the "Times de Luxe Program" on KHJ in Los Angeles. This early exposure led to Von Zell being hired as the manager of KMTR Los Angeles, before he moved to KGB San Diego in January 1929.

Von Zell's big break came later that year when he auditioned for Paul Whiteman's radio show, beating out a field of 250 other announcers to land the coveted role. When Whiteman's series came to an end in 1930, Von Zell headed to New York and became a staff announcer for CBS, working with renowned comedians and entertainers such as Fred Allen, Phil Baker, Eddy Duchin, and Ed Wynn.

Notable Radio Shows and Characters

During the 1920s and 1930s, Von Zell's versatility and talent made him a sought-after radio personality, with the announcer serving on as many as 20 shows per week. His most notable and long-running radio partnership was with veteran comedian Eddie Cantor, whom he served as the commercial spokesperson and straight man for nine seasons, from October 1940 to June 1949.

As Cantor's cast member Dinah Shore began to gain prominence, she brought Von Zell on as the announcer for her "Birds Eye Open House" program. Von Zell also headlined his own short-lived radio show, "The Smiths of Hollywood," which featured Arthur Treacher and Jan Ford (who would later become Howard Hughes' paramour under the name Terry Moore).

One of Von Zell's most memorable moments came in 1931 when, as a young announcer, he famously referred to then-President Herbert Hoover as "Hoobert Heever" during a live birthday tribute. While Hoover was not present for the incident, the blooper became the stuff of radio legend, thanks in part to a re-enactment fabricated by Kermit Schafer for his "Pardon My Blooper" record album years later.

Broadcasting Style and Signature Techniques

Von Zell's versatility as a radio personality was not limited to his work as an announcer and straight man. He also showcased his musical talents, serving as the vocalist for the first recording session of Charlie Barnet's musical career in 1933. In 1941, Von Zell sang on NBC's popular "jam session" program, "The Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street," where he and three other staff announcers formed an impromptu barbershop quartet, with Von Zell offering commentary in a florid, Victorian style.

As an actor, Von Zell's most notable role was on "The Joan Davis Show," where he played the love interest of the character portrayed by Verna Felton. Whenever Von Zell entered a room, Felton would excitedly exclaim, "Why, Mr. von Zellllllllllll!" This memorable interaction led to Von Zell headlining his own radio comedy program, "The Smiths of Hollywood," which showcased his talent for comedic timing and character work.

Transition to Other Media

Von Zell's success in radio opened the door to opportunities in other media, and he began to appear in feature films in the mid-1940s. His film debut came in 1943 when he provided the offscreen narration for four entries in the "Flicker Flashbacks" series of silent-film satires. His first on-screen appearance was in 1945, and he went on to appear in a variety of films, including "The Saxon Charm," "Dear Wife," "Son of Paleface," "Two Flags West," and "For Heaven's Sake."

In the early days of television, Von Zell was involved in experimental broadcasts, describing boxing matches in 1931. Nearly 20 years later, his exposure from the Columbia comedies led to him being hired for television shows as the medium began to reach a mass audience. In 1950, he had his first major television role as the announcer and spokesman for Pabst Blue Ribbon beer on Jackie Gleason's "The Life of Riley."

Von Zell's most iconic television role came in 1951 when he replaced Bill Goodwin as the announcer on "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show." Appearing under his own name, Von Zell continued to play the befuddled friend of the Burns family and the show-within-a-show's announcer until the series' conclusion in 1958. During the 1958-59 television season, he worked with George Burns again on the short-lived "The George Burns Show."

Legacy and Influence

Throughout his remarkable career, Harry Von Zell left an indelible mark on the golden age of American broadcasting. His versatility, talent, and charisma made him a beloved figure in the radio industry, and his influence can be seen in the work of countless performers who followed in his footsteps.

Von Zell's ability to seamlessly transition between roles as an announcer, actor, singer, and comedian showcased his remarkable versatility and adaptability. Whether he was playing the straight man to comedic legends like Eddie Cantor or bringing his own unique brand of humor to the airwaves, Von Zell consistently captivated audiences with his distinctive style and presence.

Beyond his on-air work, Von Zell's legacy can be seen in the impact he had on the industry itself. As a pioneering figure in the early days of television, he helped pave the way for the medium's growth and evolution, while his work in film and other media demonstrated the breadth of his talents and the respect he commanded from his peers.

In the years since his passing in 1981, Von Zell's name has remained synonymous with the golden age of radio, a testament to the enduring impact of his contributions to the art form. His ability to seamlessly blend entertainment and information, coupled with his undeniable charisma, have cemented his status as one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of American broadcasting.

Works and Appearances

Radio

"The Times de Luxe Program" on KHJ (1926)
Manager of KMTR Los Angeles (late 1920s)
Announcer on Paul Whiteman's radio show (1929)
CBS staff announcer, working with Fred Allen, Phil Baker, Eddy Duchin, and Ed Wynn (1930-1940s)
Announcer and straight man for Eddie Cantor (1940-1949)
Announcer for Dinah Shore's "Birds Eye Open House" program (1940s)
"The Smiths of Hollywood" (short-lived radio comedy program)
"Stars in the Air" - Episode: "Weekend for Three" (1952)

Television

Experimental television broadcasts, describing boxing matches (1931)
Announcer and spokesman for Pabst Blue Ribbon beer on "The Life of Riley" (1950)
Announcer on "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show" (1951-1958)
Writer and actor on "The George Burns Show" (1958-1959)
Guest appearances on "Wagon Train," "Bachelor Father," "Perry Mason," "The Tall Man," and "McHale's Navy"
Commentator on "Celebrity Golf" series (1960)

Film

Narrator for "Flicker Flashbacks" series of silent-film satires (1943)
"The Saxon Charm" (1945)
"Dear Wife" (1949)
"Son of Paleface" (1952)
"Two Flags West" (1950)
"For Heaven's Sake" (1950)

Other Media

Vocalist for Charlie Barnet's first recording session (1933)
Performer on "The Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street" (1941)
Spokesman for Home Savings of America (later years)
Participant in "The Good Old Days of Radio" television special (1976)

Harry Von Zell: The Versatile Voice of Old-Time Radio

Enjoys some shows