Edward Vincent Sullivan, the renowned Impresario of TV variety, was born on September 28, 1901, in Harlem to a modest Irish-Catholic family, alongside his twin brother Daniel, who sadly passed away at the tender age of two.
As a standout athlete at Port Chester High School, Sullivan excelled in track, football, basketball, and baseball, earning a letter in each sport. His early professional experience began at The Port Chester Daily Item, where he wrote sports news during his high school years and later joined the paper full-time after graduation.
Sullivan's career progressed with various news-related jobs at The Associated Press, The Philadelphia Bulletin, and The New York Bulletin. In 1927, he became a sport writer and editor for The Evening Graphic, and in 1930, he took over the Broadway column for The News, a position he held for an impressive 42 years.
In 1932, Sullivan was hired by the CBS network as a rival to radio commentator Walter Winchell, introducing future radio stars on his program, including the legendary Jack Benny. His film debut as himself in Mr. Broadway (1933) was a notable milestone, followed by screenplay and story involvements in There Goes My Heart (1938) and Ma! He's Making Eyes at Me (1940).
Sullivan's success as a Master of Ceremony at the Harvest Moon Ball at Madison Square Garden led to his being hired by CBS to host The Ed Sullivan Show (1948),which became a household name. Broadcast from CBS Studio 50 on Broadway in New York City, the show balanced novelty acts with singing and comedy talents, both established and emerging.
In 1967, the studio was renamed the Ed Sullivan Theater, a testament to Sullivan's enduring impact. Despite his lack of stage presence and tendency to forget performers' names, audiences adored his charming idiosyncrasies and down-to-earth approach. The show remained a resounding success for an impressive 23 years.
Throughout his career, Sullivan had a knack for identifying talent, and his Sunday night variety platform became a springboard for numerous top stars and groups, including Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles. He also championed crossover acts, such as The Supremes and other Motown artists, when few other TV shows would.
Sullivan appeared as himself in various films, including Bye Bye Birdie (1963),The Patsy (1964),and The Singing Nun (1966). His stiff, hunch-shouldered demeanor made him a favorite target for impressionists, including Will Jordan, John Byner, and David Frye.
Following the cancellation of his show in 1971, Sullivan made sporadic appearances hosting variety specials. He passed away in 1974, three years after the cancellation of his series, due to esophageal cancer. Sullivan was the loving father of one daughter, Betty, and was married to Sylvia (Weinstein) Sullivan, whom he wed in 1930, until her passing the year before his own death.
