Ken Murray Video | Celebrity Interview and Paparazzi

Ken Murray (July 14, 1903 - October 12, 1988) was an American entertainer and author. Murray was born Kenneth Doncourt in New York City to a family of vaudeville performers. According to Murray's autobiography (Life on a Pogo Stick), he changed his name because he did not want to ride the coattails of his father's success; he wanted to make a name for himself. Many sources inaccurately list Murray's birth name as "Don Court." He became famous for his "Blackouts" a stage variety show, featuring Marie Wilson ("My Friend Irma" fame) at the El Capitan Theatre on Vine Street in Hollywood. The... MORE

Ken Murray (July 14, 1903 - October 12, 1988) was an American entertainer and author. Murray was born Kenneth Doncourt in New York City to a family of vaudeville performers. According to Murray's autobiography (Life on a Pogo Stick), he changed his name because he did not want to ride the coattails of his father's success; he wanted to make a name for himself. Many sources inaccurately list Murray's birth name as "Don Court." He became famous for his "Blackouts" a stage variety show, featuring Marie Wilson ("My Friend Irma" fame) at the El Capitan Theatre on Vine Street in Hollywood. The Blackouts played to "standing room only" audiences for almost nine years. In 1949, the show moved to Broadway with Marie Windsor replacing Marie Wilson. It received devastating reviews and closed after six weeks. He was also known for his home movies of celebrities, which he showcased on several TV specials and variety shows. During World War II, he was one of the many celebrities to volunteer at the Hollywood Canteen. He later was the original host (1945–57) of Queen for a Day, on the Mutual Broadcasting System radio broadcast, which was simulcast on KTSL (now KCBS-TV), Channel 2 in Los Angeles. LESS