HWOF

Ken Murray (July 14, 1903 – October 12, 1988) was an American entertainer and author.

He became famous for his “Blackouts,” a stage variety show at the El Capitan Theatre on in Hollywood. The Blackouts played to “standing room only” audiences for almost nine years. He was also known for his home movies of celebrities (which he showcased on several TV specials and variety shows).

During World War II, he was one of the many celebrities to volunteer at the Hollywood Canteen. He later was the original host (1945-1957) of Queen for a Day, on the Mutual Broadcasting System radio broadcast, which was simulcast on KTSL (now KCBS-TV), Channel 2 in Los Angeles. He was also the host of The Ken Murray Show, a weekly music and comedy show on CBS Television that ran between 1950 and 1953.

Murray filmed Hollywood celebrities and collected them in compilation films such as Hollywood Without Makeup (1963). He was also the author of a number of books, including his own story published in 1960 and the only complete life story in print of Broadway theatre impresario Earl Carroll. He also appeared in an episode of the ABC sitcom The Bing Crosby Show (1964-1965) and in the Walt Disney film Follow Me, Boys! (1966).

• Born: Kenneth Doncourt July 14, 1903 New York City, New York
• Died: October 12, 1988 (aged 85) Burbank, California
• Occupation: Entertainer, author
• Spouse(s): Charlotte LaRose (1923 – ?) Cleatus Caldwell (July 4, 1941 – 1946) Betty Lou Murray (December 1, 1948 – October 12, 1988)

Read more about Ken Murray at Wikipedia or at the Internet Movie Database