Danny Thomas

Beloved comedian Danny Thomas received his start in nightclubs and worked his way on to radio and the big screen, where he appeared in such movies as the first remake of "The Jazz Singer" (1952). However, it was on television where his career really thrived, and the enduring success of "Make Room for Daddy" (ABC/CBS, 1953-1964) helped establish the formula and production techniques that many later comedies would follow. Thomas also established himself as a top television producer with such hit shows as "The Andy Griffith Show" (CBS, 1960-68), "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (CBS, 1961-66), and "The Mod Squad" (ABC, 1968-1973). He closed down production of "Make Room for Daddy" after 11 seasons, but returned to the premise only a few years later with "Make Room for Granddaddy" (ABC, 1970-71). Though that effort did not fly, nor did his other attempts to get another series off the ground, Thomas' achievements in the entertainment world were tough to match. As important as his showbiz work was his devotion to various philanthropic endeavors, including a key role in establishing the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee. His daughter, Marlo Thomas, also found fame on the small screen and continued that humanitarian work after his passing. For all of his considerable accomplishments, Thomas was remembered most fondly as Danny Williams, one of those archetypal television father figures that made viewers wish they were a part of his family.