From before it went "politically correct?"
Posted on 05/29/2010 3:05:00 PM PDT by rhema
The basics of the life and death—on Wednesday at age 97— of Art Linkletter were widely reported in the mainstream media. That’s only fitting, as he did more than just about anyone to shape the form, if not the content, of modern media. His House Party program began on radio in 1944 and moved to television in 1954—where it stayed until 1969.
That program made Linkletter one of the most famous men in America to baby boomers and their parents. But he actually had been on television since the late 1940s. Many families in the post-war era got their first TV sets and could pick up Art Linkletter and little else. Indeed, if the word “television pioneer” can be applied to anyone, it is Linkletter.
But the mainstream media tended to neglect Linkletter’s behind-the-scenes role in the rise of the conservative movement. He was an entrepreneur and free-market advocate who made millions in television, and millions more outside of medium, as the author of 20 books, several of which were national bestsellers (Kids Say the Darnedest Things and Old Age Is Not for Sissies), and in business ventures that ranged from commodities trading to hula hoops.
His public persona, as an affable TV host, was mostly apolitical through the 1940s and ’50s. But he was a supporter of Ronald Reagan through the ’60s, and his image took on a new dimension when his daughter died of a drug-related suicide in 1970. He spoke out more forcefully against drugs and against what he called the “moral decline” of the country, and President Nixon appointed him to an anti-drug commission. He put his money and his celebrity status to work for conservative causes and the Republican Party. When the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) began to champion liberal political causes, he became a spokesman for a conservative alternative to AARP called USA Next. He also served on the board of Pepperdine University, a Christian college in Malibu, Calif., near his home.
When he gave speeches to conservative groups—which he often did—he was usually introduced to audiences, many of whom were too young to see him in his heyday, by a reel of TV clips showing him with Reagan and other conservative icons. These clips established his conservative “bona fides” and invariably “fired up” the groups. But the speeches themselves were the true “highlight reel.” Into his mid-90s, he would speak in a forceful and polished tone, for a half-hour or more, with no notes whatsoever. He reveled crowds with anecdotes of Reagan and the early days of television, but—in true show-biz “leave ’em laughing, leave ’em crying” fashion—he would close with words of appreciation for the group he was speaking to, and he would exhort them to even greater sacrifice and commitment.
Linkletter himself, who was abandoned as an infant and adopted and raised by a preacher, was self-effacing about his accomplishments. He often said his greatest achievement was his 74-year marriage to wife, Lois, who survives him. By Hollywood standards, or any other, it was a rare feat, indeed.
>>He often said his greatest achievement was his 74-year marriage to wife, Lois, who survives him. By Hollywood standards, or any other, it was a rare feat, indeed.<<
Amen! What a fantastic run he had and what a wonderful legacy!
“… I like a lot of activity. Heaven seems too placid to me. Now there’s a lot to do in hell …I’ve lived a happy life” --Art LinkletterArt might need a few prayers, though ...
I remember Art interviewing lots of celebs on House Party: Mickey Rooney, Joyce Brothers, Sebastian Cabot, Roger Miller, but the one that did not go well was with Joan Crawford. Art represented RC Cola (then still known as Royal Crown Cola) and Joan was in biz with Pepsi. Art had a bottle of each brought out and had each drink the rivals product. Joan was less-than-gracious especially with her facial expression. She probably didn’t like either cola.
I know Crawford was on the board at Pepsi back in the late 1950’s and 1960’s. She also appeared in Royal Crown Cola “RC Tastes Best” ads in the 1940’s (as did Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, and many other major stars of the time).
From before it went "politically correct?"
Such a loss. I loved his voice and his demeanor. He was an island of sanity and calmness for all who grew up watching him. He was a man who could be trusted. America is the better for his existence. RIP Mr. Linkletter.
When my late husband was a little boy and Art Linkletter’s show was still on the radio, he was on the show. We have a 78 record of the show. He was a great man.
The biggest thrill for my mom was that she was interviewed by Mr. Linkletter, albeit briefly. She and our church ladies group was in the audience of House Party and mom got to speak with him when he went into the audience at the top of the show. It must have been around ‘65 or ‘66. I was home watching on TV...very weird for me (as a little kid) to see my mom on TV!!
He was such a gracious and kind man.
Joan Crawford has risen from the grave.
BOC is gradually subsiding in theirs, unfortunately...
There's been a lot of discussion about his daughter's death. Supposedly she jumped out a window during an LSD trip. I've read several claims that the toxicology reports showed no LSD in her system, meaning she could have committed suicide or been murdered.
A guy named Edward Durston was in the apartment with her when she "jumped out the window." Durston was also with Carol Wayne when she drowned off the coast of Mexico. Diane Linkletter had talked about committing suicide and started taking drugs when she was around fourteen.
About 15 years ago my brother and Mr. Linkletter literally ran into each other at the Las Vegas airport, almost knocking each other down! Art apologized profusely in the most gentlemanly manner my brother said.
We’ve lost another good man.
Leaving behind a tremendous legacy. On an old BOC kick, ATM.
I still have the game of LIFE. With the endorsement of Art Linkletter on it too. As a kid I had NO idea who he was.
Care to divulge the source of that quote?
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It should be on the video linked under his name on the original comment/quote. If not, I’ll get another source ...
I watched Art in the ‘50s and ‘60s. He was by all standards, a true gentle, man-always kind to the kids and guests on his show. He brought out the best in people instead of chidding them and humiliating them, the way they do nowadays (to get ratings.) We certainly need more like him. As for the media ignoring him-heck, they know he was a religious, moral man-the antithesis of the media.
God Bless you Mr. Linkletter, may you rest in heavenly peace.
The original comment/quote on *this* thread? I don't see a video link on this thread.
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