Dennis James (born Demie James Sposa, August 24, 1917 â€" June 3,
1997) was an American television personality, philanthropist, and
commercial spokesman. Up until 1976, he had appeared on TV more times
and for a longer period than any other television star. Often referred
to as "The Dean of Game Show Hosts", he is credited as the host of
television's first network game show, the DuMont Network's Cash and
Carry (1946).James was also the first person to host a telethon
(raising over $700,000,000 for United Cerebral Palsy throughout his
career), the first to appear in a television commercial, first to
emcee a variety show, and first to appear on video tape; over 25
"firsts" in all.James was born to Demetrio Ernest Sposa and Teresa
Amorosi, both of Italian descent. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey,
James began his career in radio with WNEW (now WBBR) and moved to
television in 1938, working for the soon-to-become-DuMont Television
Network station WABD, which helped to found the DuMont network in 1946
(WABD is now WNYW.)James became the host of game shows, such as the
ABC version of Chance of a Lifetime (1952â€"53), and served as
commentator for DuMont's wrestling and boxing shows, such as Boxing
From Jamaica Arena (1948â€"49) and Amateur Boxing Fight Club
(1949â€"50). He hosted the DuMont daytime variety show Okay, Mother
(1948â€"51) with Julia Meade.
1997) was an American television personality, philanthropist, and
commercial spokesman. Up until 1976, he had appeared on TV more times
and for a longer period than any other television star. Often referred
to as "The Dean of Game Show Hosts", he is credited as the host of
television's first network game show, the DuMont Network's Cash and
Carry (1946).James was also the first person to host a telethon
(raising over $700,000,000 for United Cerebral Palsy throughout his
career), the first to appear in a television commercial, first to
emcee a variety show, and first to appear on video tape; over 25
"firsts" in all.James was born to Demetrio Ernest Sposa and Teresa
Amorosi, both of Italian descent. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey,
James began his career in radio with WNEW (now WBBR) and moved to
television in 1938, working for the soon-to-become-DuMont Television
Network station WABD, which helped to found the DuMont network in 1946
(WABD is now WNYW.)James became the host of game shows, such as the
ABC version of Chance of a Lifetime (1952â€"53), and served as
commentator for DuMont's wrestling and boxing shows, such as Boxing
From Jamaica Arena (1948â€"49) and Amateur Boxing Fight Club
(1949â€"50). He hosted the DuMont daytime variety show Okay, Mother
(1948â€"51) with Julia Meade.
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