Michael Fitzmaurice (actor)
| Michael T. Fitzmaurice | |
|---|---|
Michael Fitzmaurice
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| Born |
Michael T. Fitzmaurice April 28, 1908 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | August 31, 1967, age 59 New York City, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Dublin |
| Occupation | Actor, radio announcer |
| Home town | Chicago, Illinois |
| Spouse(s) | Frances McPherrin |
| Parent(s) | Leonard Fitzmaurice and Hettie Kenton |
Michael Fitzmaurice (April 28, 1908 - August 31, 1967) was a radio actor, best known for his portrayal of Superman.
Born in Chicago, Fitzmaurice was the son of Leonard Fitzmaurice and Hettie Kenton. His father was a singer, and his mother "was known as the youngest serpentine dancer in the United States [and] later worked in radio." His great-grandfather was Wesley Jukes, who Fitzmaurice said created the Cardiff Giant hoax for P.T. Barnum.
He graduated from the University of Dublin. He intended to join the British diplomatic corps, but followed the advice of Noël Coward to try acting.
Fitzmaurice was a reporter for the Los Angeles Times before becoming a newsman at KNX radio in Los Angeles, California. While at KNX, he used the name Mike Kelly on the air.
Fitzmaurice's stage debut came in London with the Harry Lonsdell troupe when he was 20.
In 1935, Fitzmaurice left KNX and began "announcing remote control dance programs for CBS, keyed through KHJ, Los Angeles."
The baritone-voiced Fitzmaurice was heard often on radio dramas during the 1940s as both announcer and actor. From 1944 to 1947, he was the host of Mutual's Quiz of Two Cities. He was the announcer for Tales of Fatima, The Right to Happiness, Land of the Lost and Nick Carter, Master Detective. On June 5, 1950, he took over the title role on ABC's The Adventures of Superman, providing voices for both Clark Kent and Superman until the series came to an end. He was heard as Superman for a total of 78 broadcasts.
Blackhawk was a 1950 ABC radio series adapted from the long-run Blackhawk comic book about the team of adventurous World War II aviators. With Fitzmaurice portraying team leader Blackhawk, the series premiered September 13, 1950 and concluded a few months later on December 27, 1950. He also was the Hawk on the adventure serial The Sparrow and the Hawk.
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