Michael Delaney Dowd

 Michael Delaney Dowd, Jr. (August 11, 1920 – August 11, 2006), better known as Mike Douglas, an American entertainer whose career spanned singing, television, and talk-show hosting. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Douglas became a “staff singer” for WMAQ-TV in Chicago and joined Kay Kyser’s big band, where he recorded hits such as Ole Buttermilk Sky (1946) and The Old Lamplighter (1947). He also lent his voice as Prince Charming in Walt Disney’s Cinderella (1950).

In 1961, Douglas became an afternoon talk-show host at WKYC-TV in Cleveland. His program, The Mike Douglas Show, quickly gained national acclaim and syndication by 1963. Known for its lively interviews with guests ranging from Truman Capote and Richard Nixon to The Rolling Stones and Kiss, the show also featured comedy sketches and memorable moments with Tim Conway and Moe Howard. In 1978, the show moved to Los Angeles and remained on the air until 1981.

Douglas faced prostate cancer in 1990 but recovered and continued his life in good health until passing suddenly on his 86th birthday, August 11, 2006. He is interred at Riverside Memorial Park in Tequesta, Florida, remembered as a pioneering figure in American daytime television and a beloved entertainer.