Ed Sullivan (born Edward Vincent Sullivan, September 28, 1901 – October 13, 1974) was an American television personality, producer, and entertainment columnist who became a cultural icon as the host of The Ed Sullivan Show, a variety program that defined American TV from 1948 to 1971.
Sullivan began as a newspaper columnist in New York, writing for the New York Evening Graphic and later the Daily News, where his entertainment coverage built his industry connections. In the 1930s and 1940s, he hosted radio shows, showcasing his knack for introducing diverse acts, which paved the way for his TV career.
Debuting on CBS on June 20, 1948, as Toast of the Town (renamed in 1955), the show aired weekly until June 6, 1971. Sullivan’s stiff demeanor and monotone delivery contrasted with the eclectic lineup—comedy, music, and theater—featuring stars like Elvis Presley, The Beatles (whose February 9, 1964, appearance drew 73 million viewers), and Motown acts like The Supremes.
He showcased over 10,000 performers, breaking racial barriers by featuring Black artists like Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong during segregation. His show was a launchpad for talents like Jackie Mason and Carol Burnett.
Sullivan faced criticism for censorship, notably altering Elvis’s 1956 performance and briefly banning Mason in 1964 over an on-air gesture dispute. His anti-communist stance also led to blacklisting some acts during the Red Scare.
After the show ended due to declining ratings and CBS’s shift to younger demographics, Sullivan worked on specials and wrote columns until his health declined. He died on October 13, 1974, in New York City from esophageal cancer, leaving a legacy as TV’s most influential variety host.
— Seattle P-I
Seattle link
October 6, 2025 at QZVX
Jason Remington says:
SeaFair reached out far and wide to promote the event.
October 6, 2025 at QZVX
Mike Barer says:
That was one show that families often watched together, mostly because of the wide range of entertainment.
I think it was to his advantage that Sullivan did not display any talent. He let the entertainers do the entertaining and he would not steal the spotlight.
Family TV
October 6, 2025 at QZVX
Jason Remington says:
Ed Sullivan show – something for everyone in the family.
Bonanza – usually just Dad and the boys watched.
Lawrence Welk – Parents watched, kids made fun of the show…until they took an interest and today wish there was a Lawrence Welk channel on their streaming service.
Green Acres – everyone in the family laughed at this one, and Petticoat Junction, The Beverly Hillbillies, and Hee Haw.