Bob Eubanks

Game Show Host

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About

About this interview

In his two-hour interview, Bob Eubanks discusses his early years as a radio DJ and his transition to television in the 1960s. He talks about his work as a concert promoter, his biggest show being the 1964 Beatles concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Eubanks then discusses his hosting of The Newlywed Game, for which he holds the record for hosting the same game show in six consecutive decades. During that time, he remained a concert promoter and manager -- working with such stars as Barbara Mandrell and Dolly Parton. He also details his work as co-host on the annual Tournament of Roses Parade as well as other shows including The Diamond Head Show and Card Sharks. Jim McKairnes conducted the interview on May 20, 2010 in Los Angeles, CA.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

"There are three kinds of people who host game shows. There are actors who are so used to using other people's words that they don't have any kind of spontaneity. There are comedians who don't listen because they're thinking of the next funny line. That's not a criticism, that's just born within them. And then there are hosts who listen and take whatever the contestant says, and make it bigger."

People Talking About ...

Bob Eubanks

Highlights

Host Bob Eubanks on being hired as the host for The Newlywed Game and how the show was sold to the network

03:48

Host Bob Eubanks on the role of the host on The Newlywed Game

05:50

Bob Eubanks briefly on hosting Card Sharks.

00:41

Bob Eubanks on co-hosting the Tournament of Roses Parade broadcasts

03:07

Full Interview

Play Full Interview

Chapter 1

Introduction

On his early years; on his family moving to California (from Flint, MI) when he was two; on his interest in music; on his early work of modeling (where he did one session with Gene Autry) and roller skating

On his schooling; on beginning his career in radio; on working at radio station KACY and then moving to KRLA; on opening a chain of young-adult nightclubs; on beginning to work as a concert promoter with The Champs

On hosting his first television show Pop Dance Party; on being subpoenaed (just as he was about to host his first Newlywed Game) to testify about the payola scandals (where disc jockeys were paid to play certain records); on Ozzie Nelson hiring DJs on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

On producing The Beatles' August 23, 1964 concert at The Hollywood Bowl; on The Beatles' fans; on working with The Beatles; on forming a PR firm for rock and roll; rock and roll and television

On being hired by Chuck Barris to host The Newlywed Game; on hosting the show; on memorable moments; on his approach to the show; on also hosting the nighttime version

On continuing his music promotion career while maintaining his TV career

Chapter 2

On his work as a manager and concert promoter; on working with music legends including The Rolling Stones, Barry Manilow, Barbara Mandrell, and Dolly Parton

On working with Charlie O'Donnell; on bringing The Newlywed Game back into syndication (1977–80, 1985–88 and 1997-99) and as a traveling live show; on the short-lived game show The Diamond Head Game

On producing for television; on working with Buddy Hackett; on hosting Trivia Trap and Dream House; on the current state of game shows

On co-hosting the Tournament of Roses Parade; on his co-host Stephanie Edwards

On his negative portrayal in Michael Moore's feature documentary Roger & Me

Chapter 3

On hosting and producing Infatuation

On Chuck Barris; on his career achievements; on his advice to aspiring hosts; on how he would like to be remembered

Shows

Adventures Of Ozzie and Harriet, The

View Show Page

Bob Eubanks on the radio "payola" scandals and how Ozzie Nelson would hire DJs to appear on his show; on being subpoenaed as he prepared to host his first Newlywed Game.