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Joseph Vito DeSantis (June 15, 1909 - August 30, 1989) was an American radio, television, movie and theatrical actor and sculptor. Joe DeSantis was born Joseph Vito Marcello DeSantis to Italian immigrant parents in New York City. His father, Pasquale DeSantis, was a tailor from San Pietro Apostolo in Catanzaro, Italy; his mother, Maria Paoli, emigrated from Gioviano in the province of Lucca in Tuscany and worked in a paper flower factory. He worked his way through New York University studying sculpture and drama, his first performances being in Italian. After obtaining a part in a play at... MORE

Joseph Vito DeSantis (June 15, 1909 - August 30, 1989) was an American radio, television, movie and theatrical actor and sculptor. Joe DeSantis was born Joseph Vito Marcello DeSantis to Italian immigrant parents in New York City. His father, Pasquale DeSantis, was a tailor from San Pietro Apostolo in Catanzaro, Italy; his mother, Maria Paoli, emigrated from Gioviano in the province of Lucca in Tuscany and worked in a paper flower factory. He worked his way through New York University studying sculpture and drama, his first performances being in Italian. After obtaining a part in a play at Hunter College, he secured work as an actor for three seasons with the Walter Hampden Repertory Company, which marked the beginning of his performances in English. His career in broadcasting began in May 1940 with Pepper Young's Family, and continued with major network shows including Mr. District Attorney, March of Time, Gangbusters, Kate Smith, and many others. One of his most important contributions to the industry was his narration of Norman Corwin's On a Note of Triumph, broadcast nationwide at the conclusion of World War II. He was inducted into the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Diamond LESS