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11. Aug. 2006 - Mike Douglas died |
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Singer/TV personality Mike Douglas died on his 81st birthday. No cause of death has been released. Mike Douglas was known to millions through his daytime TV talk show "The Mike Douglas Show." His TV show ran from 1961 through 1982. Mr. Douglas was a Big Band singer with the Kay Kyser Orchestra. His vocal talents were used by Walt Disney to provide the singing voice of Prince Charming in the 1950 classic animated feature "Cinderella." Mr. Douglas’ variety TV show was a combination of his musical performances and talk with celebrity guests. Over two decades he hosted the famous from all walks of life, from presidents to war protestors. Mr. Douglas had an affable way about him, which resulted in comfortable guests and good entertainment. One of the most famous weeks on his show occurred when he invited John Lennon and wife Yoko Ono to guest host. The success of "The Mike Douglas Show" paved the way for other TV talk shows, though few of the hosts that followed in his path had his personable approach. I remember on episode in which Mr. Douglas has about a half dozen portrayers (including Johnny Weismuller) of "Tarzan" on his show. Mr. Douglas acted in a handful of films including Burt Reynold’s sequel to "White Lightning" entitled "Gator." Mike Douglas served his country in the US Navy during WWII. As for those who say that Hollywwod marriages can’t last, Mike Douglas is survived by Genevieve, his wife of 62 years! |
