Sullivan, Ed

Sullivan, Ed(ward Vincent)

(born Sept. 28, 1901, New York, N.Y., U.S.—died Oct. 13, 1974, New York City) U.S. television host. He began his career as a journalist and wrote a Broadway gossip column for the Daily News. Known for his talent at discovering interesting new performers, he was hired by CBS to host its variety program Toast of the Town (1948–55), later called The Ed Sullivan Show (1955–71), where he presented diverse entertainment (combining, for example, a concert pianist, a singing fireman, and a boxing referee with Hollywood celebrities in a single show) in a program that became a national institution for more than 20 years. Sullivan's terse way of introducing guest performers and distinctive mannerisms made him a popular target for comedians.

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Sullivan, (Edward Vincent) Ed (1902–74) journalist, television host; born in New York City. Originally a sportswriter, he began his syndicated Broadway gossip column at the New York Daily News in 1934. He hosted the CBS variety series, The Ed Sullivan Show (1948–71). Much parodied for his stiff manner and his opening line, "We've got a reeeally big shew tonight," he was the first to give national exposure to many entertainers, in particular Elvis Presley and the Beatles.