Jerry G. Bishop was an American actor who is best known for his role as Svengoolie, his work on “Screaming Yellow Theater,” and “Sun Up San Diego.” He was a prominent figure in the horror host genre.
Personal and Family Life
Jerry G. Bishop was born on August 3, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois. He was married to Liz from 1964 until his passing in 2013, and they had two children together.
Career
In 1969, he started as a staff announcer and host for the local version of “Dialing For Dollars” at WFLD-TV. He is especially remembered for his portrayal of Svengoolie on “Screaming Yellow Theater,” which he hosted in Chicago from 1970 to 1973. In 1978, he moved to San Diego and hosted “Sun Up San Diego” for 13 years, earning three Emmy Awards during that time. Outside of television, he owned two Chicago-themed restaurants, the Greek Islands Cafe and Asaggio Pizza.
Death and Legacy
Jerry G. Bishop passed away on September 15, 2013, in Poway, California, after battling cancer. His contributions to the horror host community were recognized when he was inducted into the Horror Host Hall of Fame in 2011.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| American Scary | 2006-10-21 | Himself / ‘Svengoolie’ |