Milton Berle

In a career that spanned eight decades, and included everything from silent films to vaudeville to Broadway to radio, Milton Berle qualified as one of the personifications of "show business." Berle achieved his greatest success as the first acknowledged superstar of television. Between 1948 and 1956, Tuesday nights belonged to the comedian. The success of his weekly variety show earned him the honorific titles of "Mr. Television" and "Uncle Miltie." Famous for his extremely high energy level and for a series of outlandish characterizations--especially those featuring the star in drag--Berle was at the top of the TV ratings for several seasons. After his show ended, he stayed prominent in the public eye via many TV specials, both those built around him and in guest star spots, where his trademark cigar, snide wisecracks, unctuous manner and withering glare at the camera were put to good use.