Bud Collyer

FROM: The New York Times (September 9th 1969) ~ By The United Press International GREENWICH, Conn., Sept. 8 Bud Collyer, master of ceremonies on television's "Beat the Clock" and "To Tell the Truth" programs, died today of a circulatory ailment. He was 61years old. The popular television personality entered Greenwich Hospital three weeks ago. Genial, Amiable, Perky One of television's most durable masters of ceremonies, Mr. Collyer delighted contestants and audiences alike with his genial manners, jovial disposition, amiable patience and perky enthusiasm. He was the host of a succession of game shows, including "Break the Bank," "Quick as a Flash," "Feather Your Nest" and "To Tell the Truth," which returns tonight on WNEW-TV at 8 P.M. with Garry Moore as host. He was also past president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Before entering television, Mr. Collyer was a versatile radio personality. From 1938 to 1952, he portrayed Superman over the WOR-Mutual network. At one time, in addition to his Superman duties, he was heard as an announcer, quizmaster and M.C. on six other programs - the Mary Small and Hildegarde shows the "Schaefer Revue," the "Quiz of Two Cities" and two soap operas, "Road to Life" and "Young Dr. Malone." Recalling his days before the microphone, the lanky, brown-haired performer said, "Those were great days, because you weren't seen. You could appear on as many as 23 to 30 shows a week and grab off $6,000 to $7,000 a year - big dough at that time. Naturally, that sort of hedge-hopping is impossible on TV." Some of his other radio programs included "Truth or Consequences," "Stage Door Canteen" and "Billie Burke's Show." Theatrical Family A native New Yorker whose real name was Clayton Johnson Heermance Jr., Mr. Collyer was a member of a theatrical family. His grandfather, Dan Collyer, was on stage for 50 years; his mother acted under the name Carrie Collyer, and his sister, June Collyer, was a dimpled darling of the silent films and the wife of Stuart Erwin. After attending Horace Mann School, Mr. Collyer entered Williams College, where he led a dance band. At a school dance at the St. Regis Hotel, a fashion commentator heard him sing and helped him get a part-time singing job with the Columbia Broadcasting System for $85 a week. He went to Fordham Law School, and after graduation worked as a law clerk for two years before deciding on a career in show business. He had bit parts in several Broadway plays and in 1935 landed an acting job on radio. In 1962, Mr. Collyer wrote "Thou Shalt Not Fear," a book of sermons in verse. He regularly closed his television program by bidding his audience "Goodbye and God bless you." ---