Ed Sullivan, an American TV personality and impresario, is best known for creating and hosting his iconic variety show on CBS. With the longest-running variety program in American TV history, Sullivan introduced countless talents to the world, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Woody Allen. Starting his career as a sports and Broadway journalist, Sullivan later ventured into radio and revolutionized entertainment. Not only was he a starmaker, but Sullivan also championed racial equality by featuring “black” artists on his show. Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to entertaining America.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Edward Vincent Sullivan
- Died At Age: 73
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Sylvia Weinstein
- Father: Peter Arthur Sullivan
- Mother: Elizabeth F. Smith
- Children: Betty Sullivan, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Sullivan Precht
- Born Country: United States
- Entertainers
- Talk Show Hosts
- Died on: October 13, 1974
- Place of Death: New York, United States
- Ancestry: Irish American
- Cause of Death: Esophageal Cancer
- City: Harlem, New York
- U.S. State: New Yorkers
Childhood & Early Life
Edward Vincent Sullivan, known as Ed Sullivan, was born on September 28, 1901, in Harlem, New York City. His parents were Elizabeth F. and Peter Arthur Sullivan. His father worked as a customs house employee. Sullivan attended Port Chester High School, where he excelled in sports, participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track.
Journalism Career
After graduating from high school, Sullivan decided not to pursue further education and instead ventured into journalism. He started as a part-time sports news journalist for a local newspaper called The Port Chester Daily Item. Following his graduation, he was appointed full-time. He then worked for various newspapers, including The Hartford Post, The Philadelphia Bulletin, the Associated Press, The Morning World, The New York Bulletin, The Morning Telegraph, and The Leader.
In 1927, Sullivan became a sports writer for The Evening Graphic and was later promoted to the position of editor. He also became a Broadway columnist for Little Old New York of the New York Daily News.
Entertainment Career
Sullivan’s entertainment career began with his appearance in the 1933 film “Mr. Broadway,” where he played himself. This marked the beginning of his rivalry with gossip columnist Walter Winchell. Sullivan also made appearances in other films and directed a radio program for WABC.
In 1948, Sullivan was hired for the CBS Sunday-night variety show “Toast of the Town,” which later became “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The show, sponsored by Emerson Radio, was a huge success and featured various performers, including musicians, comedians, and actors.
The Beatles and Other Highlights
One of the most significant moments in Sullivan’s career was when he invited The Beatles to perform on his show in 1964. Their appearance skyrocketed the show’s ratings and introduced the band to a worldwide audience. Sullivan also encouraged live music performances on his show and used catchphrases that became part of American vocabulary.
Sullivan was known for promoting African-American talent and opposing racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. He also popularized country and Western music by featuring Nashville performers on his show.
Personal Life and Legacy
Sullivan was briefly engaged to Olympic champion swimmer Sybil Bauer before marrying Sylvia Weinstein in 1930. They had a daughter named Elizabeth. Sullivan was known for his short temper and holding grudges.
He died of cancer on October 13, 1974, in New York City. Sullivan’s legacy includes a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Ed Sullivan Theater, which was later given to The David Letterman Show.
His impact on popular culture is still recognized, with various tributes and specials dedicated to his work, including the CBS special “A Really Big Show: Ed Sullivan’s 50th Anniversary” and the VH-1 series “Ed Sullivan’s Rock and Roll Classics.”