About Jerry Lester
Jerry Lester (born Lester J. Goldberg; February 16, 1910 - March 23, 1995) was an American comedian, singer and performer on radio, television and the stage. He hosted the first network late-night television program, Broadway Open House on NBC, a vaudeville-style combination of comedy and music whose success helped lead to the creation of the Tonight Show. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he performed in vaudeville, in Broadway musicals including Beat the Band and Jackpot, and in Hollywood films in the 1940s. He became host of Cavalcade of Stars on the DuMont Television Network in 1950 before taking over Broadway Open House, which introduced future Tonight Show hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson. He later returned to theatre in the 1960s, playing Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and appearing in South Pacific. His brother was actor and comedian Buddy Lester.
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Frequently asked questions
What was Broadway Open House?
Broadway Open House on NBC was the first network late-night television program, a vaudeville-style mix of comedy and music hosted by Jerry Lester.
How is Jerry Lester linked to the Tonight Show?
The success of Broadway Open House helped lead to the creation of the Tonight Show, and Lester's program introduced future hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson.
What Broadway musicals was Jerry Lester in?
He performed in Broadway musicals including Beat the Band and Jackpot, and in the 1960s he played Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and appeared in South Pacific.
What was Jerry Lester's real name?
Jerry Lester was born Lester J. Goldberg in Chicago, Illinois, on February 16, 1910, and died on March 23, 1995.
Did Jerry Lester host Cavalcade of Stars?
In 1950 Lester became host of Cavalcade of Stars on the DuMont Television Network, before taking over Broadway Open House.
