George Bettinger's earliest acquaintance in the entertainment industry was none other than the iconic talk show host Joe Franklin. Franklin's long-running show, which aired consecutively on television from 1953 to 1993, provided George with numerous opportunities to showcase his impressive impersonations of legendary show business personalities. Franklin was particularly fond of George's comedy bits and occasional cameo appearances, which further solidified their professional relationship.
George's creative endeavors didn't stop there. He went on to develop a series called "Movie Magic," which aired on Manhattan Cable TV from 1981 to 1987. Following this, he transitioned to full-time work in radio and television commercials, making appearances in countless local and network spots for various brands, including M&M's, electronics, and restaurants.
As a producer, George Bettinger created numerous educational and training films for prominent companies such as Pfizer, Hoffman LaRoche, and Maimonides Medical Center. His work in this capacity further showcased his versatility and range as a creative professional.
In 1998, George released a CD titled "George Bettinger's Mom & Pop Variety Shop" on Original Cast records, which served as the springboard for his long-running international radio program "The Mom & Pop Shop." Broadcast from City Hall in Miramar, Florida, George's radio show has been covered by NBC and ABC Network News as a unique hybrid of old-school charm and modern-day relevance.
Throughout his illustrious career, George Bettinger has had the pleasure of interviewing an impressive array of guests on his radio show, including the likes of Lily Tomlin, Sonny Rollins, Suzi Quatro, and Robert Klein, to name a few.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry, George Bettinger was inducted into the prestigious Friars Club in New York City in 2016.
