Bill Goodwin | |
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 Goodwin in 1951 | |
| Born | William Nettles Goodwin (1910-07-28)July 28, 1910 |
| Died | May 9, 1958(1958-05-09) (aged 47) Palm Springs, California, U.S. |
| Burial place | Desert Memorial Park,Cathedral City, California, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1941–1958 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 4 includingBill Goodwin |
William Nettles Goodwin (July 28, 1910 – May 9, 1958),[1] was an American radio announcer and actor. He was for many years the announcer and a recurring character of theBurns and Allenradio program, and subsequentlyThe George Burns and Gracie Allen Show ontelevision from 1950–1951. Upon his departure, he was replaced byHarry von Zell.
A native ofSan Francisco, California,[2] Goodwin attended theUniversity of California.[3] He acted in stage productions on the West Coast before he began working in radio in 1930. His initial work on the air was at a station inPortland, Oregon. It was followed by stints at stations inSacramento andLos Angeles.[4]
Goodwin was known for frequently promoting the item sold by the sponsor of the show (Swan Soap orMaxwell House Coffee, among others, on radio;CarnationEvaporated Milk on television). He was effective on radio in doing "integrated commercials", the first announcer to do so[4] in which the advertisement was deftly woven into the show's storyline. In 1945, Goodwin was the "featured comedian" as a regular onThe Frank Sinatra Show andThe George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.[5] In 1947, he had his own program,[6]The Bill Goodwin Show, a situation comedy, also known asLeave It to Bill, which ran from April 26 – December 13, 1947.[7] He was the announcer for theBlondie radio program.[8]
Goodwin was the host of television shows, includingColgate Theatre[9][10] andPenny to a Million.[4] His last job as announcer was forNBC Radio'sThe Bob Hope Show (1953–1955). Not long before his death, Goodwin appeared as Ed Weston in two episodes of the short-livedCBSsitcom,The Eve Arden Show.[citation needed]
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Goodwin acted in several movies, includingThe Stork Club (1945),The Jolson Story (1946), andJolson Sings Again (1949). He played the role ofSherman Billingsley inThe Stork Club (1945) and that of thehotel detective in Hitchcock'sSpellbound (also 1945) and appeared withDoris Day inTea for Two (1950) andIt's a Great Feeling (1949). Goodwin's best film role was probably as a vain but impoverished stage actor inSo This Is New York (1948). His last major role was as the narrator for the animated television cartoonGerald McBoing-Boing.
Goodwin was inducted into the radio portion of theHollywood Walk of Fame February 8, 1960. His star is at 6810 Hollywood Boulevard.[11]
Goodwin was married to actressPhilippa Hilber; the couple had four children:[12] Jill, Lynn, Sally, and Bill Jr.[3] His son is jazz drummerBill Goodwin.
Goodwin was found dead in his car on May 9, 1958, at the age of 47 after aheart attack inPalm Springs,California.[13] He is interred at theDesert Memorial Park[1] inCathedral City, California.
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