Quiz Kids, was a popular radio and TV series of the 1940s and 1950s, originally sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. The series was broadcast on NBC from Chicago, airing
as a summer replacement show for Alec Templeton Time. It continued on radio for
the next 13 years.
The $64,000 Question had its beginnings in the CBS radio quiz show,
Take It or Leave It, which followed the pioneering Professor Quiz,the
first radio quiz show.Take It or Leave It ran from April 21, 1940 to July
27, 1947. It was first hosted by Bob Hawk (1940–41), followed by Phil
Baker (1941–47). In 1947, the series switched to the NBC radio
network, and was hosted at various times by Baker, Garry Moore
(1947–49), Eddie Cantor (1949–50) and Jack Paar, beginning
June 11, 1950. On September 10, 1950, the title of the show was
changed to The $64 Question.
Bob Hawk
Phil Baker
Jack Paar
Barbara Feldon starred in the Get Smart TV series with Don Adams
on NBC/CBS (1965-1970). She played Agent ‘99’
Prior to her career in entertainment, she won the grand prize on
the show ‘The $64,000 Question’. The category was on William
Shakespeare.
Barbara Feldon was first noticed in the now famous ‘Top Brass’
men’s hair gel commercial (below).
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“Double or Nothing” was a game quiz show on the Mutual Radio
Network where the clock ticks away as contestants attempt to
answer questions. Feenamint chewing gum laxative originally
sponsored the program. It was hosted by numerous people
including John Reed King and Walter O’Keefe, with music
performed by Nat Brusiloff and His Orchestra. Alois Havrilla
served as the announcer.
Long time host Walter O’ Keefe
Announcer Alois Havrilla
Diller was born Phyllis Ada Driver in Lima, Ohio. She began her career working at
KROW radio in Oakland in 1952. Phyllis first appeared in March of 1955 as a stand-
up at The Purple Onion, a cellar club in the North Beach area of San Francisco.
Although she has made her career in comedy, Diller studied the piano for many
years. She later decided against a career in music after hearing her teachers
and mentors play with much more ability than she thought that she would be able
to achieve. She still plays in her private life, however, and owns a custom-made harpsichord.
