Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Red Skelton

Role / Field:

Iconic American comedian known for radio and TV hosting, especially 'The Red Skelton Show'.

Born:

1913-07-18

Died:

1997-09-17

Century / Era:

1913s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Richard Bernard "Red" Skelton (July 18, 1913 – September 17, 1997) was an American entertainer best known for his national radio and television shows between 1937 and 1971, especially as host of the television program The Red Skelton Show. He has stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in radio and television, and he also appeared in burlesque, vaudeville, films, nightclubs, and casinos, all while he pursued an entirely separate career as an artist. Skelton began developing his comedic and pantomime skills from the age of 10, when he became part of a traveling medicine show. He then spent time on a showboat, worked the burlesque circuit, and then entered into vaudeville in 1934.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The "Doughnut Dunkers" pantomime sketch, which he wrote together with his wife, launched a career for him in vaudeville, radio, and films. His radio career began in 1937 with a guest appearance on The Fleischmann's Yeast Hour, which led to his becoming the host of Avalon Time in 1938. He became the host of The Raleigh Cigarette Program in 1941, on which many of his comedy characters were created, and he had a regularly scheduled radio program until 1957. Skelton made his film debut in 1938 alongside...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Camus — Contemporary (Born in 1913) (1913): Philosopher and writer known for Absurdism, The Stranger, and The Plague.
• Albert Ellis — Contemporary (Born in 1913) (1913): Pioneering figure in psychotherapy, founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Alfred Russel Wallace — Contemporary (Died in 1913) (1913): Naturalist and explorer who independently conceived the theory of evolution.
• Aldo Rossi — Contemporary (Died in 1997) (1997): Pioneering Italian architect, theorist, and proponent of Postmodernism.
• Allen Ginsberg — Contemporary (Died in 1997) (1997): Pioneering American poet, central figure of the Beat Generation, known for 'Howl'.
• Amado Carrillo Fuentes — Contemporary (Died in 1997) (1997): Notorious Mexican drug lord, known as "The Lord of the Skies" for his jet fleet.
• Aaron Beck — Shared historical date (07-18 · Born) (1921): Father of Cognitive Therapy and CBT, revolutionizing psychiatric treatment.
• Antoine Watteau — Shared historical date (07-18 · Died) (1721): Pioneering Rococo master, credited with inventing the genre of fêtes galantes.
• Agostinho Neto — Shared historical date (09-17 · Born) (1922): Angolan communist revolutionary, poet, and first President of Angola.
• Alexander Ovechkin — Shared historical date (09-17 · Born) (1985): Record-setting Russian left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals.
• 1913 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1913
• July 18 (07-18) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 18
• 1997 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1997
• September 17 (09-17) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 17

Frequently Asked Questions about Red Skelton