Biography
This page uses content from the Bill Goodwin biography page on the English version of Wikipedia and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. This list of authors can be seen in the page history. Rotten Tomatoes disclaims any and all warranties as to the accuracy or reliability of the content.
Bill Goodwin (July 28 1910 - May 9 1958)
Goodwin was for many years the announcer and regular character of the Burns and Allen radio program, and subsequently The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show on television from 1950-1951. In 1951, upon his departure, he was replaced by Harry Von Zell.
Goodwin was known for frequently promoting the item sold by the sponsor of the show (Swan Soap or Maxwell House Coffee, among others, on radio; Carnation Evaporated Milk on television). He was very effective on radio in doing 'integrated commercials,' in which the advertisement was deftly woven into the show's storyline. Goodwin was best known for his amiable and fun-loving personality, for his persona on air as a 'ladies' man,' and for joking around about Burns's appearance and age. Ironically, he died over 35 years before Burns.
Goodwin occasionally hosted other TV and Theatre shows, including Penny to a Million and Dollar a Minute. His last job as announcer was for NBC Radio's The Bob Hope Show (1953-1955). He also acted in several movies, including The Jolson Story (1946) and The Big Beat (1958) with fellow Burns and Allen regular, Hans Conried.
He played the role of Sherman Billingsley in 1945 movie The Stork Club. His last major role was as the narrator for the animated televison cartoon, Gerald McBoingBoing.
Goodwin died on the 9th of May, 1958, following a heart attack occurring in Palm Springs, California.
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