Date of Birth: July 11, 1906
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: November 21, 1981
Biography
Harry von Zell was an American announcer and actor best known for his work in radio, film, and television. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Harry’s career spanned several decades, beginning in the golden age of radio. He is perhaps most famous for his long tenure as the announcer for the “Burns and Allen” show, where his warm, engaging voice became a beloved fixture in American households. Besides his radio work, von Zell appeared in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing his versatile talent as a performer. His career is marked by both his distinctive voice and his ability to seamlessly adapt to different entertainment mediums.
5 Interesting Facts about Harry von Zell
1. Harry von Zell famously flubbed President Herbert Hoover’s name, calling him “Hoobert Heever” during a 1931 radio broadcast, a mistake that haunted him for years.
2. He served as the announcer for the “Burns and Allen” show for over a decade, becoming a key part of the show’s success.
3. Harry von Zell began his career in radio at KMIC in Inglewood, California, before moving to national networks.
4. He made appearances in films such as “The Fat Man” (1951) and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953).
5. Von Zell was a talented pianist and often incorporated his musical skills into his radio and television performances.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry von Zell
1. “The thing about live radio was that it was always unpredictable, and that was part of the charm.”
2. “Working with George and Gracie was one of the highlights of my career. They were consummate professionals and wonderful people.”
3. “A good announcer is like a good referee: you should barely notice him, but he’s always there making sure everything runs smoothly.”
4. “My career has taken me to some wonderful places and introduced me to some incredible people. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
5. “Mistakes happen, especially in live broadcasting. The key is to laugh it off and keep going.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Harry von Zell’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a substantial sum for his era.
Children
Harry von Zell had two children, a son named Richard von Zell and a daughter named Sally von Zell.
Relevant Links
1. [Harry von Zell – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0904114/
2. [Harry von Zell – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_von_Zell
3. [Burns and Allen Show – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Burns_and_Allen_Show
4. [Harry von Zell on Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7608/harry-von_zell
