Arthur Gordon “Art” Linkletter (1912–2010,) a Canadian-born American radio and television personality, achieved widespread recognition and popularity throughout his long and successful broadcasting career.
Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Linkletter initially earned a teaching degree in 1934 at San Diego State Teachers College (later San Diego State University.) However, he opted for a different path, venturing into the world of radio. In 1944, he assumed the role of emcee for the radio variety show House Party, engaging the audience in spontaneous contests and activities.
Linkletter’s breakthrough occurred with the radio show People Are Funny, débuting in 1942 and transitioning to television in 1954. The show’s innovative format involved audience participation in humorous and unpredictable situations.
A standout segment in House Party, Kids Say the Darndest Things, featured Linkletter interviewing children, becoming a beloved feature that significantly contributed to his popularity. Renowned for his amiable ad-libs and his talent for putting interviewees, especially young children, at ease, Linkletter left an indelible mark.
Following the tragic suicide of one of his children, Linkletter became a fervent anti-drug-abuse campaigner and an adviser on drug policy to U. S. President Richard Nixon. Beyond his broadcasting success, Linkletter authored over 20 books, including the best-selling Kids Say the Darndest Things! (1957,) I Wish I’d Said That (1968,) and Old Age Is Not for Sissies (1988.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Art Linkletter
The four stages of man are infancy, childhood, adolescence and obsolescence.
—Art Linkletter
Topics: Life and Living
Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.
—Art Linkletter
Topics: People, Best, Character, Determination, Attitude
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