Danny Thomas (January 6, 1912 - February 6, 1991)

This man was a television pioneer not to mention a great giver to a great charity. During the early days of television he rose up to be one of the greatest writers, directors, producers and actors of his time. On television he headed up the cast of "Make Room for Daddy" later known as "The Danny Thomas Show." The series featured him as Danny Williams, a nightclub performer. His co-stars included Jean Hagen (as first wife Margaret), Rusty Hamer (as son Rusty), Marjorie Lord (as second wife Kathy), Sherry Jackson (as daughter Terry), Angela Cartwright (as stepdaughter Linda) and Hans Conried (as Uncle Tonoose). The series ran from 1953 to 1964 and has become one of the gems from television's golden era. From 1967 until 1968 he hosted "The Danny Thomas Hour." In 1970, the Williams family returned in the shortlived "Make Room for Granddaddy" which lasted one season. From 1976 to 1977 he played Dr. Jules Bedford on "The Practice" and from 1986 to 1987 he played Jake Hatton on "One Big Family." He appeared as Danny Williams in an episode of "The Joey Bishop Show" and "The Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse." He appeared in the film The Jazz Singer in 1952 among a few others. His television guest appearances were many. A few examples are: (this list is incomplete) "The Milton Berle Show" "Four Star Revue" "The Colgate Comedy Hour" "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show" "The Jack Benny Program" "Toast of the Town" "The Dick Van Dyke Show" "Password" "The Lucy Show" "Dinah's Place" "The Bob Hope Show" "The Dean Martin Show" "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" "The Mike Douglas Show" "The Red Skelton Show" "Zane Grey Theater" "The Bill Dana Show" "Get Smart" "Here's Lucy" "McCloud" "Happy Days" "Kojak" "Benson" His final acting role was in an episode of "Empty Nest." The episode originally aired on February 2, 1991 and the actor died four days later... 

In Memoriam Remembers:

Danny Thomas