Art linkletter grandchildren

1. Early Life and Adoption
2. Education and Early Career
3. Pioneering Radio and Television
4. Television Success and Film Appearances
5. Business Acumen and Philanthropy
6. Legacy and Honors
7. Personal Life and Late Years

Early Life and Adoption

Arthur Gordon Linkletter was born on July 17, 1912, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. Abandoned at the age of weeks, Linkletter's biological parents and siblings remain unknown. He was adopted by Fulton John Linkletter, a minister, and his wife Mary. In 1917, the family relocated to San Diego, California, where Linkletter completed his schooling.

Education and Early Career

During the Great Depression, Linkletter traveled extensively, seeking odd jobs and gaining valuable life experiences. In 1934, he earned a bachelor's degree from San Diego State Teachers College, where he played basketball and was on the swim team. Despite receiving a teaching diploma, he found a better-paying job as a radio announcer at KGB-FM. For several years, he hosted programs centered around fairs and exhibitions.

Pioneering Radio and Television

In the early 1940s, Linkletter moved to Hollywood and, with producer John Guedel, launched the groundbreaking "People Are Funny" radio program. This interactive show, featuring audience participation and humorous contests, became a prototype for countless future game shows on radio and television. In 1954, "People Are Funny" was adapted into a television program that ran until 1961.

Television Success and Film Appearances

Throughout his career, Linkletter hosted a series of popular television shows, including "Life With Linkletter," "Hollywood Talent Scouts," and "Kids Say the Darndest Things." He also appeared in two comedic films, "People Are Funny" (1946) and "Champagne for Caesar" (1950), and made frequent guest appearances on other shows.

Business Acumen and Philanthropy

Linkletter was a savvy investor who amassed a substantial fortune, enabling him to support numerous charitable causes. He became a major investor in the hula-hoop craze in the 1950s. His close friendship with Walt Disney led him to officiate at the opening ceremony of Disneyland in 1955 and serve as a commentator for its 50th anniversary celebration in 2005.

Legacy and Honors

For his contributions to radio and television, as well as his civic service, Linkletter received honorary degrees from several universities, including Pepperdine University and the University of Prince Edward Island. He also served as a trustee of Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he had once aspired to attend but was prevented by financial constraints. The college named its swimming center in his honor.

Personal Life and Late Years

Linkletter's marriage to Lois Foerster in 1935 lasted an extraordinary 74 years. They had five children: Arthur Jack Linkletter, Dawn, Robert, Sharon, and Diane. The family experienced tragedy with the deaths of Diane in 1969, Robert in 1980, and Jack in 2007. Linkletter suffered a minor stroke in early 2008 and passed away on May 26, 2010, at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles. He was survived by Lois and his daughters Dawn and Sharon.