Radio Figure. He received recognition as the announcer for a 30-minute radio show featuring the American comedy duo of George Burns and his wife, Gracie Allen. The radio show debuted in September of 1934 and aired in 1936 as the "Burns and Allen Show" until May of 1950 and was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1994. After studying music and drama at the University of California in Los Angeles, he appeared on the radio as a singer as a jest in the mid-1920s before becoming an announcer. During the 1920s and 1930s, von Zell served as announcer on some 20 shows a week. Besides Burns and Allen, he had many other radio credits, including working with comedian Eddie Cantor from 1940 to 1949 and later Dinah Shore. On President Herbert Hoover's 57th birthday, August 10, 1931, he is remembered for an embarrassing radio blooper at the end of a long-scripted tribute, "Ladies and gentlemen: Hoobert Heever...". This incident has appeared on several "bloopers" albums and did not harm his popularity. He appeared in at least 28 films starting in 1943. He was the radio announcer for broadcast boxing matches. In television, he had supporting guest roles in such series as "Perry Mason," "Bachelor Father," and "Wagon Train." He died from the complications of cancer at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital. He was married for 51 years and had a son and a daughter.
Radio Figure. He received recognition as the announcer for a 30-minute radio show featuring the American comedy duo of George Burns and his wife, Gracie Allen. The radio show debuted in September of 1934 and aired in 1936 as the "Burns and Allen Show" until May of 1950 and was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1994. After studying music and drama at the University of California in Los Angeles, he appeared on the radio as a singer as a jest in the mid-1920s before becoming an announcer. During the 1920s and 1930s, von Zell served as announcer on some 20 shows a week. Besides Burns and Allen, he had many other radio credits, including working with comedian Eddie Cantor from 1940 to 1949 and later Dinah Shore. On President Herbert Hoover's 57th birthday, August 10, 1931, he is remembered for an embarrassing radio blooper at the end of a long-scripted tribute, "Ladies and gentlemen: Hoobert Heever...". This incident has appeared on several "bloopers" albums and did not harm his popularity. He appeared in at least 28 films starting in 1943. He was the radio announcer for broadcast boxing matches. In television, he had supporting guest roles in such series as "Perry Mason," "Bachelor Father," and "Wagon Train." He died from the complications of cancer at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital. He was married for 51 years and had a son and a daughter.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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