Actor · Announcer

Bert Parks

1914–1992 · Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.

An American actor, singer, radio and television announcer, best known for hosting the annual Miss America telecast from 1955 to 1979.

In the golden age of radio and television, few personalities were as ubiquitous and beloved as Bert Parks. A charismatic host, singer, and entertainer, Parks became an American institution through his dynamic presence on game shows, variety programs, and most famously, as the long-time host of the Miss America Pageant. His booming voice, infectious enthusiasm, and signature song would define entertainment for multiple generations.

Early Life and Radio Beginnings

Born Bertram Jacobson on December 30, 1914, in Atlanta, Georgia, Parks came from a family of Jewish immigrants. His father, Aaron Jacobson, was a merchant who had emigrated from Latvia, and his mother Hattie was the daughter of Austrian-Hungarian immigrants. From an early age, Parks showed a natural inclination towards performance, experiencing his first taste of amateur theatre at just four years old. Parks's professional journey began remarkably early. At the age of 16, he entered radio broadcasting in Atlanta, quickly demonstrating the communication skills that would define his career. By 1933, at just 19 years old, he had moved to New York City, where he was hired as a singer and announcer on The Swift Show. His talent soon led him to become a staff announcer, marking the beginning of a remarkable broadcasting career.

Rise to Radio Prominence

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Parks became a prominent radio personality. He hosted several popular shows that captured the public's imagination, including Stop the Music, which premiered on radio in 1945 and was later telecast from 1948 to 1957. The show was so successful that it even prompted satirical responses from other entertainers, including skits mocking its premise. Parks's radio versatility was evident in his work with NBC, where he hosted Monitor during the 1960s alongside other celebrities. His ability to engage audiences and maintain an energetic, personable style made him a sought-after radio personality.

Television and the Miss America Pageant

While Parks had success in radio, it was television that would cement his place in American entertainment history. He hosted numerous game shows in the early days of television, including Party Line, which is considered one of the oldest surviving television shows. His game show hosting credits were extensive, ranging from Double or Nothing to County Fair. However, Parks is most remembered for his 25-year tenure as the host of the Miss America Pageant from 1955 to 1979. Each year, he would famously sing "There She Is" as the winner was crowned, a moment that became synonymous with the pageant itself. In a surprising turn of events, he was unceremoniously fired in 1979 in an attempt to attract a younger audience, though he was brought back for a special performance in 1990 during the pageant's 70th anniversary.

Later Career and Legacy

Beyond pageants and game shows, Parks continued to entertain audiences through various media. He appeared in films like Foul Play and Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood, and made television cameos on shows like WKRP in Cincinnati. His last known television appearance was a commercial that aired in June 1991. Parks passed away on February 2, 1992, in La Jolla, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of television and radio's most beloved personalities. His career spanned multiple decades and mediums, embodying the quintessential mid-20th century American entertainer.