Bert Parks | |
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Parks in 1956. | |
Born | Bertram Jacobson December 30, 1914 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
Died | February 2, 1992 La Jolla, California, U.S. | (aged 77)
Occupations |
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Spouse | Annette Liebman |
Bert Parks (born Bertram Jacobson;[1] December 30, 1914 – February 2, 1992) was an American actor, singer, and radio and television announcer, best known for hosting the annual Miss America telecast from 1955 to 1979.
Combining the slightly unctuous charm and snappy patter of a snake oil salesman with a boundless supply of enthusiasm, Bert Parks was the quintessential TV quiz show host - which is how the genial Atlanta native made his name before becoming an American institution with his yearly singing of "There She Is" on the Miss America pageant... Mr. Parks, who died of lung cancer at 77 Sunday in a La Jolla, Calif., hospital, parlayed a booming voice, a modest singing talent