US game show legend Tom Kennedy has reportedly passed away at 93-years-old on 7 October, according to his pal Steve Beverly. A cause of loss has not been given at this time.
The TV star was famed for hosting quiz shows such as Spl-it Second, Name That Tune, and You Don’t Say!
Real name James Edward Narz, he began his career after heading to Hollywood in 1947, where he had his first big bre-ak on telly 11-years later.
He fronted The Big Game in 1958 and then Dr. IQ, which lasted one season the same year.
His first major success was on You Don’t Say!, lasting six seasons from 1963 to 1969. But Kennedy was probably best known for the syndicated revival of Name That Tune, that aired weekly between 1974 to 81. His other presenting credits included Bre-ak the Bank and 50 Grand Sla-m in 1976, To Say the Least from 1977-78, Whew! from 1979-80, Body Language from 1984 to 1986, a late version of The Price Is Right from 1985-86, and Worldplay from 1986-87.m
Following the il-lness and loss of Allen Ludden, Kennedy took over hosting duties for Password Plus from 1980 to 1982. His success as a host saw him get his own self-titled show The Real Tom Kennedy Show in 1970. He also once appeared as a panelist on, To Tell the Truth. Having made his mark on the TV world, the fan-favorite then delved into the world of acting, not too far a jump from his comfort zone.
Kennedy was cast for roles in films such as That Girl and The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and TV series like Cannon and Hardcastle and McCormick, among others. The star was also the announcer on Betty White’s comedy Date With the Angels for a year from 1957 to 1958. Taking to social media after news of his passing, fans mourned his loss.” One of the greatest TV hosts ever. Smooth as silk and wonderfully engaging,” one said. Another sighed: “All my tv stars passing.”
“So sad about Tom Kennedy He was a true game show legend. Condolences to Tom’s family friends & fans,” a third sent their love. A fourth commemorated: “Oh my. Tom Kennedy was one of the greats. May he rest well.”Kennedy’s wife of 59-years Betty passed away in 2001. He is surv!ved by his children Linda Ann Narz, James Narz Jr, daughter Courtney Ellen Narz, daughter-in-law Linda Papulis Narz, granddaughter Abigail Norah Narz and sister, Mrs. Mary Lovett Scully. The family is asking for donations to be sent to the American Canc-er Society.
This Article First Published On EXPRESS