Fred Davis(10 August 1921 – 5 July 1996) was aCanadianbroadcaster, best known as host of theCBC TelevisionprogrammeFront Page Challengefor nearly all of its 38-year run.
Fred Davis | |
|---|---|
 Davis in 1956 | |
| Born | 10 August 1921 Toronto,Ontario, Canada |
| Died | 5 July 1996(aged 74) Toronto,Ontario, Canada |
| Education | Lorne Greene Academy of Radio Arts |
| Years active | 1946–1995 |
| Spouse(s) | Joy Carroll (c. 1986) four previous marriages |
Born in Toronto, he became a trumpet player in his youth who performed at various concerts, particularly with the bands of Art Hallman and Howard Cable. At one point he was conductor of the Teentime Orchestra atCFRBradio.[1]After serving in World War II, including performing in the Canadian Band of theSupreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forceunder the direction ofRobert Farnon,he returned to Toronto to study broadcasting atLorne Greene Academy of Radio Arts.
His early radio career includedOttawastationCFRAsince late 1946.[2]
In the early 1950s, Davis moved to television, as one of the hosts of the 1953-1954 documentary seriesOn the Spot.[3]
He began hosting the news-themed television quiz showFront Page Challengein 1957, replacing hostAlex Barriswith whom the series began that summer. He remained host until the series was cancelled in 1995. He hosted commercials and other series during his career, although his primary work remained withFront Page Challenge.
Death
editDavis died age 74 atSt. Michael's Hospital in Torontofollowing multiplestrokes,leaving his fifth wife Joy Carroll Davis and five children (two sons and three daughters) from his earlier marriages.[1][4]
References
edit- ^abGoldhar, Kathleen (6 July 1996). "Fred Davis loved a 'Challenge'".Toronto Star.p. A10.
- ^"Canadian Communications Foundation: Fred Davis biography".Archived fromthe originalon 8 March 2018.Retrieved24 June2006.
- ^Queen's University Directory of CBC Television Series:On the Spot[permanent dead link]
- ^Harris, Christopher (6 July 1996). "Front Page Challenge host always unflappable (obituary)".The Globe and Mail.Toronto. pp. E9.