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Nickname:	The Poet Laureate of Television
Known for:	The Wiz, Car 54, Where Are You?, What's My Line?: Episode dated 1 December 1968
Birthday:	13 October 1924, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Frequently gives a humorous poem during his game show and talk show appearances. Was a regular on the "Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts." Delivered standard four-line topical poems as part of his routine. An example: "The opposite of pro is con; That fact is clearly seen; If progress means move forward, Then what does Congress mean?" A former job as a carhop kick-started his career. To generate tips he would joke around to make his customers laugh. It helped him hone his nightclub act at such establishments as the Club Baby Grand and Apollo Theater. Received his first big break in the late 1950s on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Standard host/guest on the "Dean Martin Roasts" who recorded several "party" albums. Became one of the first African-American to be a regular on game shows ("To Tell the Truth") and also one of the first black game show hosts with NBC's "Your Number's Up." Had a singing/dancing background. He danced with the Ragamuffins of Rhythm. Obtained the rank of captain in the Army World World II, when African American officers were very rare and segregation was official policy. Got his start in show business in the late 50's on the Ed Sullivan Show. Served in Europe as a captain in the United States Army in World War II. Although he claimed to have been a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, he actually attended for only one semester in 1936 and did not receive a degree.

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