Earle Graser

Earle Graser (March 31, 1909 - April 8, 1941) was an American radio actor at radio station WXYZ, Detroit, Michigan.

Graser was born in Kitchener, Ontario. He was a child when his family moved to Detroit, Michigan. Graser graduated from a Detroit high school and attended Wayne University (now Wayne State University) in Detroit, where he earned an A.B. in oratory, drama, and interpretive reading. He also studied law for two years, earning an LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws). While working at WXYZ, he continued taking graduate classes and earned a M.A. in speech.

During high school he worked part-time as a drugstore soda jerk and delivered groceries. Earle had always wanted a nickname, but never had one until he asked his friends to call him "Barney". He got the name from a horse that pulled the grocery wagon.

In the summer of 1928, he got a job at the Michigan Theater, part of the Kunsky Theatre chain owned by John Kunsky and George Trendle. He was an usher, doubling as the announcer for the next organ selection, and occasionally had small parts in live stage shows.

In the summer of 1931, he joined a traveling show that was performing in Michigan. The company would set up a tent for two nights, performing "The Haunted House" and "Your Uncle Dudley".

In 1932, Graser was hired as a bit player by dramatic productions director James Jewell of Detroit radio station WXYZ.

For recreation, he enjoyed swimming, badminton and gardening. He sang bass in his church choir.

He listed his ambitions: own a farm in Connecticut, play Hamlet and teach elocution and drama at a small Eastern college.

The Lone Ranger radio series premiered on January 30, 1933. George Seaton played the Lone Ranger from January 31 to May 9 of 1933, then left the station. Graser was one of five actors who auditioned to take over the role of the Lone Ranger.

Graser was chosen to play the part of The Lone Ranger, beginning April 16, 1933. Since this was during the days of live radio broadcasts, Graser had two understudies ready to play his part, but he never missed a performance.

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