Exploring the Golden Age of Old-Time Radio: Classic Shows and Their Impact

Marian Jordan, born Marian Irene Driscoll, was a true icon of old-time radio. Best known for her portrayal of the patient, common-sense Molly McGee on the beloved sitcom "Fibber McGee and Molly," Jordan's career spanned over three decades and left an indelible mark on the golden age of American broadcasting.

Early Life and Marriage

Marian Irene Driscoll was born on April 15, 1898, in Peoria, Illinois, the twelfth of thirteen children born to Daniel P. Driscoll and Anna (Carroll) Driscoll. Her paternal great-grandfather, Michael Driscoll, had emigrated from Ireland to the United States in 1836.

As a young woman, Marian gave music lessons and sang in the choir of the church she attended. It was there that she met a fellow choir member, Jim Jordan. The two were married on August 31, 1918, and went on to have a long and successful career in show business together.

The Jordans' early days were humble - Marian became a piano teacher while Jim worked as a mailman. When Jim was drafted into the army during World War I, he was stationed in Europe and contracted the Spanish flu, but survived. After the war, he stayed in Europe to perform for wounded soldiers.

Entry into Radio

Marian and Jim Jordan's foray into radio began in 1924, after Jim made a bet with his brother that the couple could perform on the radio. Their debut was a success, and they soon found themselves earning $10 a week at WIBO, a radio station in Chicago.

In 1927, the Jordans launched their second radio show, "The Smith Family," which aired on WENR in Chicago. The program was a hit, running until 1930 and helping to boost the couple's career.

The Rise of "Fibber McGee and Molly"

In 1931, while in Chicago, the Jordans met cartoonist Don Quinn. Together, they created the radio comedy "Smackout," which starred Marian as a gossipy green-grocer and Jim as the manager of the grocery store. The show, for which Quinn was the head writer, was one of the first successful sitcoms and a nationwide hit.

The success of "Smackout" led to the Jordans and Quinn collaborating on a new show for the Johnson Wax Company in 1935 - "Fibber McGee and Molly." Marian Jordan took on the role of Molly McGee, the patient and intelligent wife who supported her husband, Fibber, through his various misadventures.

"Fibber McGee and Molly" was an immediate hit, and the show's popularity only grew over the years. Marian's portrayal of Molly was widely praised, with listeners considering her performance even better after she returned to the role in 1939 following a brief hiatus.

Broadcasting Style and Signature Techniques

Marian Jordan's performance as Molly McGee was marked by her warm, honey-natured delivery and impeccable comic timing. She effortlessly played off her husband Jim's bombastic Fibber, providing a grounding, common-sense presence that balanced the show's zaniness.

One of Marian's signature techniques was her use of catchphrases, such as Molly's famous line, "He was smack out of everything, 'cept hot air." These catchphrases became instantly recognizable to listeners and helped cement Molly's place in the show's ensemble.

Marian also demonstrated a remarkable versatility, seamlessly transitioning between Molly's patient understanding and her occasional exasperation with Fibber's antics. This range allowed her to create a fully-realized, multidimensional character that resonated with audiences.

Professional Relationships and Collaborations

Marian Jordan's success was deeply intertwined with her partnership with her husband, Jim, and their longtime collaborator, writer Don Quinn. The trio worked together closely, with Quinn crafting the scripts and the Jordans bringing the characters to life through their natural chemistry and comedic talents.

The Jordans' relationship was not just a professional one - they were devoted life partners, married for nearly 43 years until Marian's death. Their offscreen bond was evident in their onscreen performances, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the Fibber and Molly dynamic.

Beyond her work with Jim and Don Quinn, Marian also collaborated with other notable figures in the radio industry, including the actor Harold Peary, who played the recurring character of Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve. Gildersleeve's popularity eventually led to his own spin-off series, "The Great Gildersleeve," which further cemented the enduring legacy of "Fibber McGee and Molly."

Transition to Other Media and Declining Health

While Marian Jordan's primary medium was radio, she did make a few forays into other forms of media. She appeared in six movies based on the "Fibber McGee and Molly" series, though her film roles were relatively minor.

Marian's health began to decline in the 1950s, which ultimately led to the end of the "Fibber McGee and Molly" radio program in 1956. The show continued for a few more years in the form of short skits on the NBC radio program "Monitor," but Marian's poor health made it impossible for her to continue.

When "Fibber McGee and Molly" was adapted for television in the late 1950s, Marian was too ill to reprise her role as Molly. Actress Cathy Lewis took over the part, but her darker interpretation of the character was a factor in the show's cancellation after just a half-season.

Legacy and Influence

Marian Jordan's portrayal of Molly McGee on "Fibber McGee and Molly" cemented her status as one of the most beloved and iconic figures in old-time radio. Her warm, relatable performance and impeccable comic timing made her an integral part of one of the medium's most successful and long-running programs.

Beyond her work on the show, Marian's influence can be seen in the many sitcoms and radio comedies that followed in the wake of "Fibber McGee and Molly." Her character's blend of patience, common sense, and occasional exasperation became a template for countless sitcom wives and mothers in the decades that followed.

In 1989, both Marian and Jim Jordan were inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring legacy and impact on the golden age of American radio.

Marian Jordan passed away on April 7, 1961, at the age of 62, succumbing to cancer. She and Jim are buried together at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California. Though she is gone, Marian's unforgettable performance as Molly McGee continues to resonate with audiences, cementing her place as one of the most beloved figures in the history of old-time radio.

Works and Appearances

Radio

"Luke and Mirandy" (1920s) - Played Mirandy
"The Smith Family" (1927-1930) - Starring role
"Smackout" (1931-1935) - Starring role as a gossipy green-grocer
"Fibber McGee and Molly" (1935-1959) - Starring role as Molly McGee

Film

"Fibber McGee and Molly" (1941)
"Look Who's Laughing" (1941)
"Here We Go Again" (1942)
"Heavenly Days" (1944)
"The Great Gildersleeve" (1942)
"Fibber McGee and Molly in War Bonds" (1943)

Television

"The Fibber McGee and Molly Show" (1959) - Marian was too ill to reprise her role, replaced by Cathy Lewis

Marian Jordan: The Beloved Voice of Molly McGee

Enjoys some shows