Date of Birth: August 31, 1903
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: March 16, 1983
Biography
Arthur Godfrey was a multifaceted American entertainer who made significant contributions to radio and television during the mid-20th century. Born in 1903 in New York City, Godfrey began his career in radio in the 1930s. His warm, folksy style quickly endeared him to millions of listeners. By the 1940s, he had become a household name, hosting popular radio shows like “Arthur Godfrey Time.” Godfrey’s success in radio paved the way for a transition to television in the late 1940s. He hosted a variety of shows, the most famous being “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts,” a talent show that introduced several future stars to the American public. Known for his ukulele playing and congenial personality, Godfrey became a beloved figure in American entertainment. Despite his amiable on-air persona, Godfrey was known for being a tough and sometimes controversial boss. His career faced challenges in the late 1950s due to high-profile firings and public relations issues. Nonetheless, he remained active in the entertainment industry until his health began to decline in the 1970s.
5 Interesting Facts about Arthur Godfrey
1. Arthur Godfrey’s nickname was “The Old Redhead.”
2. He was a licensed pilot and often flew his own plane to broadcasting gigs.
3. Godfrey was one of the first radio personalities to transition successfully to television.
4. He was known for his live commercials, which he delivered in an informal, conversational style that was revolutionary at the time.
5. Arthur Godfrey was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for radio and one for television.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur Godfrey
1. “I’m proud to pay taxes in the United States; the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money.”
2. “You can’t fool the American public; they are too smart.”
3. “If you could see the world through my eyes, you’d be surprised at how beautiful it is.”
4. “The secret of my success is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake those, you’ve got it made.”
5. “I’m just a country boy at heart.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Arthur Godfrey’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, a substantial sum for his era.
Children
Arthur Godfrey had three children: Richard, Patricia, and Arthur Jr.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Arthur Godfrey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Godfrey
2. [IMDb – Arthur Godfrey](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0324064/
3. [Find a Grave – Arthur Godfrey](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/3138/arthur-godfrey
5. [Hollywood Walk of Fame – Arthur Godfrey](http://www.walkoffame.com/arthur-godfrey
