Dennis James

Dennis James (born Demie James Sposa, August 24, 1917 – June 3, 1997) was an American television personality, philanthropist, and commercial spokesman. Until 1976, he had appeared on TV more times and for a longer period than any other television star. Alternately referred to as "The Dean of Game Show Hosts" (along with fellow emcee Bill Cullen) and the "Godfather of Gameshows", he was the host of television's first network game show, the DuMont Network's Cash and Carry (1946). James was also the first person to host a telethon (raising more than $750,000,000 for United Cerebral Palsy throughout his nearly 5 decade run as its host), the first to appear in a television commercial (for Wedgwood china), first to emcee a variety show, and first to appear on video tape; more than 25 "firsts" in all. Early career and life James was born to Demetrio Ernest Sposa and Teresa Amorosi, both of Italian descent. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, James joined that city's WAAT as an announcer and moved in May 1940 to WNEW in New York City (now WBBR). He was soon hosting a morning show called Breakfast With Bamberger's Basement. He went into television, appearing in 1943 on the first anniversary program of W2XVW, which eventually became WABD, the flagship station of the DuMont Television Network in 1946 (WABD is now Fox-owned WNYW). By mid-July 1943, he had taken over as host of DuMont's re-named fledgling Wednesday night variety show, Television Roof. By September, programming was drastically curtailed on all New York stations due to the war. On April 15, 1946, WABD opened new studios at Wanamaker's department store and on the 18th, James appeared in an episode of Famous Jury Trials.