This easygoing talk-show host started out as a featured singer in Kay Kyser’s big band and maintained his laid-back way throughout his career. Although Douglas isn't revered like Ed Sullivan or Merv Griffin,
The Mike Douglas Show was a syndicated success for two decades, even snagging the first-ever Emmy for Individual Achievement in Daytime Television in 1967. From 1961 to 1981, the mellow crooner — who voiced Prince Charming in Disney's
Cinderella early in his career — chatted with diverse luminaries like Richard Pryor, the Rolling Stones, Frank Zappa, Martin Scorsese, Barbra Streisand, Richard Nixon, and Malcolm X. He was well aware of his low-key charisma and often invited renowned celebrities to cohost the show with him. (His 1972 stint opposite John Lennon and Yoko Ono is now legendary.) Originally a local Cleveland offering, the series became syndicated in 1963. Two years later the studio relocated to Philadelphia to allow easier access for New York-based guests. Finally, in 1978 Douglas and Co. moved to Los Angeles. But by then, the audience for his type of vintage showcasing was on the wane, and the show ended a few years later. Although he popped up occasionally over the years — notably as a guest on Rosie O'Donnell's series, which was a throwback to his kind of talk show — Douglas remained mostly off camera until his death in 2006 on his 81st birthday.
Mike Douglas Fast Facts:
- As a teenager, earned paychecks singing on cruise ships, in dinner clubs and on radio shows.
- Served in the Navy during World War II.
- Provided the singing voice of Prince Charming in Walt Disney's 1950 animated film Cinderella.
- Was featured on Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge; changed his stage name after Kyser accidentally introduced him as Mike Douglas.
- His live talk show, which began in 1961, started taping episodes in 1965 after actress Zsa Zsa Gabor made an indecent remark about comedian Morey Amsterdam on air.
- Hosted over 6,000 programs and interviewed more than 40,000 guests.
- Published a memoir in 1999 called I'll Be Right Back: Memories of TV's Greatest Talk Show.
- Mike Douglas Relationships:
- Kelly Donahue - Daughter
- Christine Voinovich - Daughter
- Genevieve Douglas - Wife
- Michelle Dowd - Daughter
- Mike Douglas Awards:
- 1973 Emmy: Outstanding Program Achievement in Daytime - Nominee
- College:
- Attended Oklahama City University, Oklahoma City, OK