Freeman Gosden | |
|---|---|
 Freeman Gosden at right with Charles Correll, 1939. | |
| Born | Freeman Fisher Gosden (1899-05-05)May 5, 1899 Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | December 10, 1982(1982-12-10) (aged 83) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1921–1962 |
| Known for | Amos ofAmos 'n' Andy |
| Spouse(s) | [1] [2] |
| Children | 4 |
Freeman Fisher "Gozzie" Gosden (May 5, 1899 – December 10, 1982) was an Americanradiocomedian, actor and pioneer in the development of thesituation comedy form. He is best known for his work in theAmos 'n' Andy radio series.
Gosden was born inRichmond, Virginia, the son of Emma L. (Smith) and Walter W. Gosden Sr.[3] While attending school in Richmond, Gozzie worked part-time in Tarrant's Drug Store at 1 West Broad Street. DuringWorld War I, he served in theU.S. Navy as a wireless operator, which prompted his great interest in the young medium of radio.[4]
During 1921, Gosden first teamed withCharles Correll to do radio work, presenting comedy acts and hosting variety programs. They had met inDurham, North Carolina, both working for the Joe Bren Producing Company. Their first regular series bagan in 1925 with their WEBHChicago program,Correll and Gosden, the Life of the Party. For this program, the two told jokes, sang, and played music (Correll playedpiano and Gosdenukulele orbanjo).[5]
In 1926, Gosden and Correll, who were bothwhite, had success with their radio program,Sam 'n' Henry, in which the two actors portrayedblack characters. The show originated on Chicago radio stationWGN.
From 1928 to 1960, Gosden and Correll, broadcast their program,Amos 'n' Andy – again portraying black characters – which quickly became one of the most famous and popular[6] radio series of the 1930s, nationwide. Gosden voiced the characters "Amos Jones", "George 'Kingfish' Stevens", "Lightning", "Brother Crawford", and some dozen other characters.[7] To celebrate the show's 30th anniversary, the broadcast of March 19, 1958, was done by Correll and Gosden using their real voices and calling each other by their real names; this had never been done for the program before.[8]
During 1961–1962, Gosden and Correll provided the voices for the animated television seriesCalvin and the Colonel broadcast byAmerican Broadcasting Company-TV.[9]
In 1969, Gosden was honored with a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame for his work in radio.[10] In 1974, Gosden was living inPalm Springs, California[11] and, in 1976, he was the best man forFrank Sinatra's wedding toBarbara Marx.[12] In 1977, Gosden was inducted into theNational Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame along with Correll.[13]
Gosden was the father of four children: Virginia, Craig, Freeman Jr., and Linda.[7]
Gosden was a charter member of theAugusta National Golf Club, joining the club at its inception in 1932. He was a long-term good friend ofClifford Roberts's, who, along with famed golfer Bob Jones, co-founded the club.[citation needed] He was aFreemason at Petersburg Lodge No. 15 in Virginia.[14]
Gosden died fromcongestive heart failure inLos Angeles, California on December 10, 1982, at the age of 83.[15]
