George Ansbro

In the vast landscape of mid-20th century broadcasting, few personalities embodied the spirit of radio as completely as George Ansbro. A pioneering announcer whose career spanned an extraordinary six decades, Ansbro became a quintessential voice that guided listeners through the evolving world of radio and television entertainment.

Early Beginnings in Brooklyn

Born on January 14, 1915, in Brooklyn, New York, George Ansbro's journey into broadcasting began with an unexpected spark of inspiration. During a family trip to Springfield, Massachusetts, young George was captivated by Singer's Midgets performing "A Kiss in the Dark" at the B.F. Keith Theater. This early exposure to performance would set the stage for his future career. His mother's decision to enroll him in singing lessons with Thomas Hannom proved pivotal. Though the lessons were short-lived, Hannom introduced George to Tommy Cowan at WNYC, a connection that would prove instrumental in launching his broadcasting career. In 1928, at just 13 years old, Ansbro made his debut as a boy soprano on Milton Cross' Children's Hour radio show.

Rising Through the Ranks at NBC

Ansbro's professional trajectory accelerated quickly. In 1931, he was hired as an NBC page, and by 1934, he had become New York's youngest network staff announcer. His versatility and distinctive voice soon made him a sought-after talent across various radio programs. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Ansbro's announcing credits read like a who's who of radio entertainment. He lent his voice to numerous shows including The Avenger, FBI Washington, Treasury Salute, Wake Up, America, and the popular Dr. I.Q. quiz show. His range was remarkable, seamlessly transitioning between dramatic series, news programs, and entertainment broadcasts.

The Television Era and Unique Performances

By 1948, Ansbro had successfully transitioned into television announcing, becoming one of ABC's principal live voice-overs. His versatility was perhaps best exemplified by his unique Monday-to-Friday disc jockey program in the early 1950s. Manhattan Maharajah featured Ansbro performing as an East Indian poet, delivering mystic couplets with a deliberate, sonorous voice – a testament to his creative performance skills.

A Legacy of Longevity and Dedication

Ansbro's commitment to broadcasting was unparalleled. In 1986, he was acknowledged by Capital Cities (ABC's parent company) as not only the oldest employee but the longest-tenured employee in American broadcasting history. He continued working until his retirement on his 75th birthday, January 14, 1990, after an incredible 58-year career. In 2000, Ansbro published his memoirs, I Have a Lady in the Balcony: Memoirs of a Broadcaster in Radio and Television, providing an intimate look into the golden age of broadcasting. Renowned film historian Leonard Maltin wrote the book's foreword.

Works and Appearances

Radio

• Children's Hour (1928-1931) - Boy Soprano
• The Avenger - Announcer
• FBI Washington - Announcer
• Treasury Salute - Announcer
• Dr. I.Q. - Quiz Show Announcer
• Manhattan Maharajah - Host/Performer (Early 1950s)

Television

• ABC Network Announcer (1948-1990)
• Daytime Soap Opera Announcer
• Prime Time Program Announcer

Publications

• I Have a Lady in the Balcony: Memoirs of a Broadcaster in Radio and Television (2000)

George Ansbro passed away on November 5, 2011, in Bloomfield, Connecticut, at the age of 96, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that bridged the worlds of radio and television.