Ralph Edwards, TV Pioneer, Dies at 92
NY Times
Ralph Edwards, the broadcast pioneer who was the creator and M.C. of two of the most popular shows in entertainment history, “Truth or Consequences” and “This Is Your Life,” died yesterday at his home in West Hollywood, Calif. He was 92.
His death was announced by his publicity agent, Justin Seremet, The Associated Press reported.
“This Is Your Life,” which began as a radio show in the late 1940’s, was originally seen on television from 1952 to 1961, and was reprised for years after that in syndication. It became something of an American institution. Not only did viewers avidly watch it every week, but they also imitated it: for generations variations of “This Is Your Life” have been part of many family reunions and anniversary celebrations. ABC is planning a prime-time revival next year, featuring Regis Philbin.
Every installment of “This Is Your Life” followed a tried-and-true formula. Mr. Edwards would approach an unwitting subject who happened to be near the show’s Hollywood studio and exclaim, “Tonight, ‘This Is Your Life!’ ”
The show laid bare the lives of unwitting ordinary people as well as celebrities, but it is the celebrities who are remembered. Maureen O’Hara was arriving at a theater for the Academy Awards ceremony when she was surprised. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy were in a hotel meeting with a producer when they were startled by hidden cameras.
During a commercial break, the guest would be taken to the studio, where Mr. Edwards would be waiting with a “This Is Your Life” scrapbook. He would read from it as the guest’s life unfolded. Sometimes a mystery voice would describe an event or anecdote from the person’s past and then that voice would materialize in the form of a lost friend, teacher, relative, Army buddy or old sweetheart. He or she would embrace the guest and tears would flow.
Secrecy, surprise and sentiment were at the core of each show, but some exceptions were made. Eddie Cantor, for instance, was told of his appearance in advance because he had a serious heart ailment.
In the 1950’s “This Is Your Life” won two Emmys and “Truth or Consequences” won one, but not every one admired the shows. Jack Gould, a critic for The New York Times, wrote several columns denouncing “This Is Your Life,” saying in one of them that Mr. Edwards “is just waiting for his guests to break into tears.” Some guests agreed.
