Harry Von Zell was a portly, pudding-faced, and wavy dark-haired actor and announcer who was a staple of radio broadcasts during the 1930s and 1940s. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 11, 1906, Von Zell attended UCLA and began his career in radio in 1927 with KMIC, where he worked as an announcer and singer.
Von Zell's smooth voice and quick wit made him a popular figure on the airwaves, and he went on to announce for numerous radio programs, including those hosted by Bing Crosby and other notable celebrities. He was also known for his impressive ad-libbing skills, which earned him an honorary award in the Immortal National Hall of Bloopers Fame.
In addition to his work in radio, Von Zell appeared in numerous films, including comedies and dramas. He often played straight man roles, and his performances in films such as The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry (1945),For Heaven's Sake (1950),and Son of Paleface (1952) showcased his versatility as an actor.
Von Zell also appeared in a number of television shows, including The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show (1950),where he played the role of a hesitant and bewildered friend of the family and served as the program's announcer. He worked as a television network announcer for CBS, introducing shows hosted by Eddie Cantor, Fred Allen, Phil Baker, Dinah Shore, and Joan Davis, among others.
After retiring from television in the 1970s, Von Zell continued to make appearances at nostalgic functions, and he was posthumously inducted into the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1981. He died of cancer in Los Angeles that same year at the age of 75.
