Walter Winchell

Birth Name:

Walter Winchell

Birth Place:

New York City, New York, United States

Profession

Actor, Writer

Established the Damon Runyon Cancer Memorial Fund, which was renamed Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which he led until his death
In 1920, he became an assistant editor of the Vaudeville News, leaving the theater behind
Joined George Jessell and Eddie Cantor in Gus Edwards troupe of youngsters at the age of 13
Would post typewritten gossip columns on theater bulletin boards while he was working in vaudeville
Quote: "Good evening Mr․ and Mrs․ America and all the ships at sea--let's go to press․"
A gossip columnist known for his flamboyant style of writing and speaking, he coined a number of slang terms that were deemed racy at the time
Got into network radio broadcasting in 1932, expanding his expertise to national and international politics, the horse races and the stock market
The term Winchellism was coined to describe journalism designed to invoke scandal, as well as his own invented phrases
Was a millionaire when he retired from the media in 1969
Was one of the first American commentators to speak out about Adolf Hitler

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