Johnny Desmond was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Broadway musicals such as “Say Darling” and “Funny Girl”, as well as his hit songs like “Mockin’ Bird Hill” and “Oh, My Darlin'”. Born Giovanni Alfredo de Simone in Detroit, Michigan, he made his mark in music and acting during the mid-20th century.
Personal and Family Life
Johnny Desmond was married to Ruth Keddington from January 3, 1942, until his death on September 6, 1985. Together, they had two children. His early interest in music began when he sang on a local radio station as a child, but at the age of 15, he left to help his father run a grocery store.
Career Highlights
Desmond gained fame for his singing talents, especially after forming a singing group in 1939, initially named the “Downbeats”. He later worked with well-known bands like Glenn Miller and Bob Crosby, performing various hits, including German-language versions for propaganda broadcasts during World War II. He became a member of ASCAP in 1956 and eventually found success as a songwriter as well.
Death and Legacy
Johnny Desmond passed away on September 6, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, due to cancer. He continued to perform in live settings even while battling illness, leaving behind a legacy of timeless songs and memorable performances in theater and television. His contributions to music and musical theater remain celebrated by fans and performers alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Escape from San Quentin | 1957-09-01 | Mike Gilbert |
| The Wonderful World of Tupperware | 1959-01-01 | Himself |
| Calypso Heat Wave | 1957-09-22 | |
| The Night Comes Too Soon | 1946-11-30 | Ghost of The Sailor |
| The Bubble | 1966-12-21 | Tony Herric |
| Lo sparviero dei Caraibi | 1962-01-01 | Juan Rodrigo Olivares |
| Desert Hell | 1958-06-25 | Lt. Richard Forbes |
| China Doll | 1958-06-06 | Sgt. Steve Hill |
| The Stingiest Man in Town | 1956-12-23 | Fred |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| The Philco Television Playhouse | 1948-10-03 | Nick Mercer |
| Climax! | 1954-10-07 | Mike Owens |
| The United States Steel Hour | 1953-10-27 | |
| The Steve Allen Show | 1956-06-24 | Self – Singer |
| Robert Montgomery Presents | 1950-01-30 | Tommy Navarro |
| The Oscars | 1953-03-19 | Self |
| Laverne & Shirley | 1976-01-27 | |
| Music On Ice | 1960-05-08 | |
| Sally | 1957-09-15 | Jim Kendall |
| The Dick Clark Show | 1958-02-15 | Self |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| Climax! | 1954-10-07 | Johnny Spain |
| The Philco Television Playhouse | 1948-10-03 | |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| Tonight Starring Jack Paar | 1957-07-29 | Self |
| The Bell Telephone Hour | 1959-01-12 | Self |