Durward Kirby
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Homer Durward Kirby (August 24, 1912, Covington, Kentucky — March 15, 2000, Fort Myers, Florida), known professionally as Durward Kirby and sometimes credited as Durwood Kirby, was a 20th Century American television personality. Kirby is most noted as a host, announcer, and sketch comic, particularly on The Garry Moore Show and later on Candid Camera, where he served as Allen Funt's sidekick from 1961 through 1966.[1]
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[edit] Early life
Kirby, who was born in Covington, Kentucky but was graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, attended Purdue University, but dropped out to begin his career as a radio announcer.[1] He hosted the Club Matinee show with Moore on the NBC Blue radio network before moving to the then-infant television medium in 1949 as an announcer for advertisements (performed live in TV's early days). He was a regular on Moore's television shows, which appeared intermittently from 1950 to 1968.[1] He also appeared as a host, announcer, or guest on several other television programs.[1]
[edit] Personality
Kirby, who was a lanky 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) tall, projected a mellow personality that served well as a foil for major stars he worked with, and was helpful to advertisers whose products he pitched. Kirby could be a sketch actor, singer, or dancer, and with ease switch from slapstick to suave sales pitches for a sponsor's product. Critic John Crosby called him "one of the most versatile muggers and comedians on the air."
[edit] Publisher
Kirby also published three books: My Life, Those Wonderful Years; Bits and Pieces of This and That; and a children's book, Dooley Wilson.
[edit] Name
Kirby's name was spoofed in the animated TV series The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show as a man's derby hat, called the "Kirward Derby," having special powers that made its wearer the smartest person in the world.[1] Mr. Kirby considered suing in court for damages for this public abuse of his name. However, his business manager pointed out that such a suit would bring much publicity to the show and its creators, benefiting them from the increased recognition. Kirby was thus dissuaded from suing.
It is likely that the suit would have failed for another reason; that satire and parody are considered fair use under the common law of defamation and Jay Ward, creator of Rocky and Bullwinkle would have certainly used this as a defense.
[edit] Cultural References
In the movie Pulp Fiction (1994), the character of Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) orders a "Durwood Kirby" Burger. This is a humorous reference to the soundtrack during the scene in which a piece called "Bullwinkle" is being played.
[edit] Quote
"Age is just a number and mine is unlisted."
[edit] References
[edit] External links
| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| NAME | Kirby, Durward |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Kirby, Durwood |
| SHORT DESCRIPTION | TV personality |
| DATE OF BIRTH | August 24, 1912 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Covington, Kentucky |
| DATE OF DEATH | March 15, 2000 |
| PLACE OF DEATH | Fort Myers, Florida |
