Don Ameche
Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on May 31, 1908, Don Ameche went on to become one of America’s leading men of radio, movie and television. His parents were of German and Italian immigrants and he had three brothers and three sisters. Ameche began studying law at the University of Wisconsin, but later switched to theatricals.
After college and a stint as a lead actor in Excess Baggage (a stock company production), Ameche toured with the vaudeville actor, Texas Guinan. One of his first forays into the world of radio was in 1928,when he played the forest ranger in a series of The National Farm and Home Hour.
In 1930, Ameche was cast in the light dramatic anthology, Grand Hotel with Anne Seymour. Don Ameche’s other early radio ventures included the role of Bob Drake on the soap opera, Betty and Bob, which debuted in 1932 and also starred Elizabeth Reller as Bob’s wife, Betty.
Ameche will probably be best remembered for his starring role in the radio situation comedy, The Bickersons, which aired from 1946 until 1951. Don played the part of John Bickerson and Frances Langford was cast in the role of Blanche Bickerson. The couple fought constantly on the show – the arguments usually spurred by Blanche’s inability to sleep through the night on account of John's constant snoring.
There were actually only around 18 episodes broadcast named The Bickersons although that is the name by which most people remember all three shows, previously called Drene Time and The Old Gold Show.
Blanche woke up John at all hours to complain of his loud snoring and the so-called ‘verbal fireworks’ began. The Bickersons proved that marital bliss can be funny when it’s turned into verbal warfare,and many television shows have adopted that theme today.
What’s New?, a news variety show cast Don Ameche as its host – Cecil B.DeMille took over the part when Ameche was absent. The show spotlighted what was going on the world with drama, comedy skits and music.
In 1949, Ameche joined Jimmy Durante on the musical comedy radio production of The Jimmy Durante Show as his costar, replacing AlanYoung. Don also appeared in 21 productions of The Lux Radio Theater during this time with such notables as Cary Grant, Barbara Stanwyck, George Brent and Ray Milland.
The Edgar Bergen/Charlie McCarthy Show launched Ameche’s career as a formidable radio announcer and ‘sketch participant,’ proving his amazing versatility as an actor.
On June 11th 1942 he was master of ceremonies on AFRS program Command Performance. Ameche was also cast on Empire Builders and The First Nighter Program (1930 - 1936) and soon became a major radio star. Other shows he appeared in include, Family Theater and The Kate Smith Hour.
Many of Ameche’s roles were based on the lives of real people, causing comedian, Fred Allen, to remark, “Pretty soon, Don Ameche will be playing Don Ameche.” Later on, he did play himself in a cameo role in the movie “It’s In The Bag!”
Ameche was wed to Honore Prendergast in 1932. She died in 1986, leaving six children. Don Ameche passed away of prostate cancer in 1993 at the age of 85 while at his son, Don’s, house in Scottsdale Arizona. His ashes are buried in Asbury, Iowa.
Happy listening my friends,
