Ed Sullivan Biography

Fast Facts

• Frequently served as the master of ceremonies for World War II events benefitting the American Red Cross and other relief organizations
• According to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, he introduced more than 10,000 acts during his career
• Started out as a professional journalist in the 1920s, writing for The Associated Press and The Morning Telegraph
• Worked as the Broadway columnist for The Evening Graphic in 1929 and later became a columnist for the New York Daily News in the 1930s
• Quote: "I enjoy what I'm doing․ I would have become a water skier if I could have made money honestly and with integrity․"
• Began hosting the variety show "Toast of the Town," which would later become "The Ed Sullivan Show," in 1948 after network executives saw a telecast of his hosting of the Harvest Moon Ball
• Best known as an entertainment writer and television host who led "The Ed Sullivan Show" for 23 years
• Was hugely influential in diversifying the American media, inviting guests like The Jackson 5, the Temptations, and Stevie Wonder in defiance of some of his racist sponsors
• Featured a variety of acts on "The Ed Sullivan Show," including comedian Jerry Lewis, actress Julie Andrews, and rock 'n' roll icon Elvis Presley, and hosted the U․S․ television debut of The Beatles in 1964