Danny Thomas Biography

Fast Facts

• Toured Italy, North Africa, and the Philippines during World War II to entertain the troops stationed there
• Was awarded a Congressional Medal by President Ronald Reagan for his career achievements in 1985
• For his humanitarian efforts in founding St․ Jude's, he was made a Knight of Malta by Pope Pius XII and a Knight Commander of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem by Pope Paul VI
• Began performing stand-up comedy at nightclubs in Chicago in 1940 because they paid more than his radio work
• Started out as the host of the amateur radio show "The Happy Hour Club" in Detroit in 1932
• Was also the executive producer of several television shows, including "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Mod Squad," and "The Joey Bishop Show․"
• Best known for his role as Danny Williams in "Make Room for Daddy" and as the founder of St․ Jude's Children's Research Hospital
• Appeared in films like "The Unfinished Dance," "Call Me Mister," and "I'll See You in My Dreams․"