Jack Bailey (actor)
| Jack Bailey | |
|---|---|
 Bailey as host of Queen for a Day. | |
| Born |
September 15, 1907 Hampton, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died |
February 1, 1980 (aged 72) Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor/Game show host |
| Years active | 1944–1975 |
John Wesley "Jack" Bailey, Jr. (September 15, 1907 – February 1, 1980)[1] was an American actor and daytime game show host. He was born in Hampton, Iowa, and died in Santa Monica, California.[2]
Career
A former vaudeville musician and World's Fair barker,[2] Bailey is best remembered as the host of Queen for a Day, a daytime game show which first aired on the Mutual Radio Network in 1945 and later moved to television, where it ran locally in the Los Angeles area from 1948 through 1955, on the NBC Television network from January 3, 1956 to September 2, 1960, and on the ABC network from September 5, 1960 to October 2, 1964. Each episode started with a different introduction (some of which were parodies of other popular shows of the time period), but inevitably the opening would resolve when Bailey pointed to the camera (and the audience) and loudly asked, "Would you like to be Queen for a Day?" as the live audience, mostly women, cheered.
Prior to his success with Queen for a Day, Bailey had a varied career, including "playing with jazz bands, directing musical comedy, tent shows and barking for the World's Fair in Chicago in 1933."[3] He was an announcer for several radio programs, including The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Duffy's Tavern, and Meet the Missus.[3]
Bailey also hosted the television game shows Place the Face (1953 – February 1954) and Truth or Consequences from 1954 to 1956. His run as host on that show followed Ralph Edwards as host (1940–1957 on the radio and 1950–1954 on television). In time Bailey was succeeded by Bob Barker (1956–1975) Bob Hilton (1975–1978), and Larry Anderson (1987–1988). The television version of the show ran on CBS, NBC, and also in syndication.
His other work in television included appearances in episodes of The Ford Show, Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford, Mister Ed, Green Acres, I Dream of Jeannie, Gunsmoke, and Ironside, plus narration for the Walt Disney organization. He had a small part in the Frank Capra film It's a Wonderful Life and he also toured the country in musical stage productions, such as Hello Dolly, The Sound of Music, and The Music Man.
Bailey joined Alcoholics Anonymous around 1948 and was a public supporting member of the organization for more than 30 years.[4]
He was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—one for his radio career, at 1708 Vine Street, and one for his work in television, at 6411 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.[2]
Family
Bailey was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol. He was survived by his second wife, Jean. He had no children.[3]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1944 | The Contender | Second Fight Ring announcer | Uncredited |
| 1946 | It's a Wonderful Life | One of Vi's Suitors | Uncredited |
| 1948 | He Walked by Night | Witness in Pajamas and Robe | Uncredited |
| 1950 | Mrs. O'Malley and Mr. Malone | Game Show host | |
| 1951 | Queen for a Day | Jack Bailey | |
| 1955 | Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color | Narrator | Television Series one episode |
| 1965 | Mister Ed | Purser | Television Series one episode |
| 1966 | Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre | Albert House | Television Series one episode |
| 1966 | Green Acres | Announcer | Television Series one episode |
| 1966 | Batman | Debate moderator, Dizzoner the Penguin | Television Series one episode |
| 1967 | The Monroes | Crick | Television Series one episode |
| 1967 | I Dream of Jeannie | Dr.Dawson | Television Series one episode |
| 1967 1969 |
Gunsmoke | Ben Leary Judge Brooker |
Television Series two episodes |
| 1969 | Lancer | Evans | Television Series one episode |
| 1971 | The Days of the Wolves | The Mayor | |
| 1971 | The D.A. | Lindsey | Television Series one episode |
| 1972 | Adam-12 | George Nash | Television Series one episode |
| 1973 | Emergency! | Homer | Television Series one episode |
| 1974 | How to Seduce a Woman | Mr.Tolkas | |
| 1974 | Dusty's Trail | Gen. Cunningham | Television Series one episode |
| 1974 | Police Story | Riley | Television Series one episode |
| 1974 | Apple's Way | Kilkenny | Television Series one episode |
| 1975 | The Strongest Man in the World | Jack | |
References
- ↑ Cox, Jim (2008). This Day in Network Radio: A Daily Calendar of Births, Debuts, Cancellations and Other Events in Broadcasting History. McFarland & Company, Inc. ISBN 978-0-7864-3848-8.
- 1 2 3 "Queen for a Day". IMDb. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
- 1 2 3 "Deaths: Jack Bailey". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. February 3, 1980. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
- ↑ "Jack Bailey – Akron, OH 6-25-78". SobrietyTalks.com. Retrieved 19 July 2015.