John Davidson (entertainer)

infobox actor
name=John Davidson


caption=Davidson in 1990
birthdate=birth date and age|1941|12|13
birthplace=Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
occupation=Stage, film, television actor
spouse=Rhonda Rivera, Jackie Miller

John Hamilton Davidson, Sr. (born December 13, 1941) is an American singer, actor and game show host known for hosting "That's Incredible!", "Time Machine", and "Hollywood Squares" in the 1980s, and a revival of "The $100,000 Pyramid" in 1990.

Biography

Davidson was born to two Baptist ministers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. [ [http://www.filmreference.com/film/66/John-Davidson.html John Davidson Biography (1941-) ] ] His boyish good looks, broad smile and telegenic charm gained him entry to such TV venues as sitcoms, game shows, variety shows and talk shows. He is perhaps best known for hosting 1980-84's "That's Incredible", a human interest/ stunt-themed series created in the tradition of, "You Asked For It".

Davidson made his Broadway debut in the 1964 production of "Foxy", which starred Bert Lahr. He also appeared in "State Fair" in 1996. He was a member of the regular repertory company on the short-lived CBS variety show "The Entertainers" (1964-65). He made more than one hundred appearances on the original "Hollywood Squares" during its 1966-1981 run. He was a regular player on many anthology and variety series of the 1970s-80s, including such shows as "Ed Sullivan", "The Bobby Goldsboro Show", "Love American Style", "The Mike Douglas Show", "Love Boat", "Fantasy Island", and "Spenser for Hire". In the late 1970s, the actor became one of four regurlar guest hosts (along with Joey Bishop, McLean Stevenson and Joan Rivers) on the "Tonight Show". The performer hosted his own talk show, produced by Westinghouse Broadcasting/Group W which aired daily in syndication (either 60 or 90 minutes in length) from 1980 to 1982. Davidson also hosted, "Time Machine", "The $100,000 Pyramid" and a new version of "Hollywood Squares" for three years each. "Hollywood Squares" featured Jim J. Bullock as the upper left square and sometimes as center square.

Davidson has recorded twelve albums and performed in various musicals. He acted in many movies including "The Happiest Millionaire"; "The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band"; "Coffee, Tea or Me"; "The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders II"; "Airport '79"; and "Edward Scissorhands", as well as the sitcom "The Girl with Something Extra" with Sally Field. John was also a featured guest on several of the Carpenters' TV specials. He was the scheduled headline act at the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Kentucky, the night the structure burned down, killing 165 persons, on May 28, 1977. He was not injured and later participated in a charity concert to raise funds for the families of fire victims.

Davidson has appeared in recent productions of "Funny Thing Happened on The Way to the Forum", "Kismet, "State Fair", "Man of La Mancha", & "Chicago", and, most recently, "Will Rogers' Follies", at the Surflight Theatre in Long Beach Island, NJ. He is also performing in his own "Father/Son and Holy Ghost" musical there in mid-late 2008. Davidson is - ironically - one of the most popular musical performers never to appear on Billboard's "Hot 100" (Pop) chart. He has, however, placed several singles on their "Adult Contemporary" survey.

References

External links

*imdb name|id=0203384|name=John Davidson
*ibdb name|id=93342|name=John Davidson
*tvtome person|id=950|name=John Davidson
* [http://www.johndavidson.com John Davidson Website]
* [http://www.kingworld.com/footage/TheJohnDavidsonShow.htm John Davidson Show]