Ed Herlihy was an American actor who is best known for his work in television and film, including The King of Comedy, Don’t Drink the Water, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Personal and Family Life
Born on August 14, 1909, in Boston, Massachusetts, Ed Herlihy was the son of Edward Joseph Herlihy. He was married to Jeanne Graham, with whom he had three children. Jeanne passed away on May 23, 1970. Ed also had a brother, Walter Herlihy, who was a TV announcer, further adding to the family’s legacy in entertainment.
Career Highlights
Ed Herlihy had a remarkable career in television and radio, known for his smooth voice and charming presence. He hosted The Horn and Hardart Children’s Hour in the 1950s and served as an announcer on The Tonight Show during Jack Paar’s era. Over his long career, he worked with famous personalities, including Perry Como, and was a spokesperson for Kraft Foods for nearly 40 years. Herlihy also provided narration for various newsreels and commentary in movies throughout the 1940s and beyond.
Death and Legacy
Ed Herlihy passed away on January 30, 1999, in New York City due to natural causes. His contributions to television and radio have left a lasting impact on the industry, and he is remembered for his significant work as an announcer and actor. His legacy continues through the various shows and films he contributed to, influencing generations of entertainers.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The King of Comedy | 1982-12-18 | Himself |
| Don’t Drink the Water | 1994-12-18 | Narrator |
| Zelig | 1983-07-15 | Pathe News Announcer (voice) |
| A Long Time Till Dawn | 1953-11-11 | Announcer (uncredited) |
| Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment | 1985-03-28 | Dooley |
| Who Framed Roger Rabbit | 1988-06-21 | Newscaster |
| A Fine Mess | 1986-08-08 | TV Reporter |
| Communism Condemned | 1947-03-27 | Himself |
| Telly… Who Loves Ya, Baby? | 1976-02-18 | Self – Announcer/Narrator |
| Pee-wee’s Big Adventure | 1985-07-26 | Mr. Buxton |
| Sports on the Silver Screen | 1997-03-16 | Self (archive footage) |
| Malcolm X | 1992-11-18 | Joe Louis Announcer |
| Thundering Rails | 1950-08-20 | Narrator |
| The Republic Pictures Story | 1991-03-15 | Narrator |
| Yesterday’s Witness | 1976-11-01 | Self |
| The Flood of ‘55 | 1995-01-01 | Narrator (archive footage) |
| Knights of the Highway | 1952-01-04 | Narrator |
| Kraft Television Theatre | 1947-05-07 | Announcer |
| The Perry Como Show | 1956-09-29 | |
| Saturday Night Live | 1975-10-11 | Banshee Spokesperson (uncredited) |
| The Bob Hope Show | 1950-04-09 | Self – Announcer |