CKLW: Afternoon movie host, 1956
WKBD: Afternoon movie host, 1969
Bill Kennedy (born Willard Kennedy, June 27, 1908 – Jan 27, 1997) was a beloved Detroit TV icon who hosted Bill Kennedy’s Showtime and later Bill Kennedy at the Movies from the 1950s until his retirement in 1983.
Kennedy donated his personal archive of ~300,000 Hollywood photos to the Detroit Institute of Arts in 1987.
References:
Recommended Reading
50: The History of WKBD-TV Detroit
This fun and fascinating book details the story, shows and personalities of WKBD-TV Channel 50. From its meager beginnings in 1965, to its growth in local and syndicated programming. In chronological order, the book covers Kaiser Broadcasting, WKBD’s debut, and the detailed schedules of every year between 1965 and 1986. It reveals the accounts of the most popular syndicated series and local personalities, as well as behind-the scenes anecdotes. Countless hours of research have been completed in order to bring to life the history and success of the Detroit homegrown television station we all grew up with. This comprehensive book will bring back great memories, laughs, and sentimental reflections on the station Metro Detroiter’s called their own. Starting with the broadcast of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons and other sporting events in 1965, WKBD quickly added syndicated shows to their lineup like The Little Rascals, Soupy Sales, McHale’s Navy, The Honeymooners, Perry Mason, I Love Lucy, The Three Stooges, Star Trek, The Munsters, Lost in Space, and Detroit’s Sgt. Sacto. Mixed in were classic cartoons such as The Flintstones, Clutch Cargo, Underdog, and Kimba the White Lion, as well as late night talk shows hosted by David Susskind, Merv Griffin, Joe Pyne, and the icon Lou Gordon. Joining the WKBD family in 1969 was actor and Detroit personality Bill Kennedy hosting his afternoon show, “Bill Kennedy at the Movies”. The 1970’s brought more classic cartoons, dramas and sitcoms like The Addams Family, Astro Boy, The Banana Splits, Gilligan’s Island, Hogan’s Heroes, Hee Haw, Speed Racer, Space: 1999, and The Benny Hill Show. The 70’s also brought memorable shows and hosts like David Frost, Lawrence Welk, Make Me Laugh, Soul Train, and The Gong Show. Even Saturday Night Live had its Detroit origins on Channel 50! And who could forget the zany and unpredictable “The Ghoul” hosting B-grade horror films, as well as Saturday’s ‘Chiller Movie’ and ‘Creature Feature’? The 1980s, 1990s and 2000s produced even more popular shows including Prisoner: Cell Block H, Solid Gold, Star Search, and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, among others. Of course, WKBD-TV wasn’t all sports and syndicated shows. They also presented serious programming such as Scared Straight, The Africans, and Against the Wind. The station was also known for the delivery of local and national news, including the airing of CNN News and the popular Ten O’ Clock News. News and sportscasters included Sid Abel, Ray Lane, Tim O’Brien, and the talented Amyre Makupson. A large 8×10 book with 300 pages of comprehensive schedules, stories and descriptions, and over 300 photos and graphics of your favorite WKBD-TV shows and personalities.
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