Goodman Ace
Goodman Ace was a master of comedic writing and performance who left an indelible mark on American broadcasting during radio's golden era. Born Goodman Aiskowitz in Kansas City, Missouri, he would become one of the most respected and clever humorists of his time, crafting comedy that was both intelligent and endearingly personal.
Early Years and Journalistic Beginnings
Goodman Ace was born to Latvian Jewish immigrants Harry Aiskowitz and Anna Katzen, showing an early passion for writing during his high school years. As the editor of his school newspaper, he adopted his first nom de plume, Asa Goodman, foreshadowing his future in creative communication. Working various jobs to support his family after his father's death, Ace began his career as a reporter and columnist. His personal life took a significant turn when he met Jane Epstein, his high school sweetheart. Their first date was uniquely memorable - attending an Al Jolson concert through Ace's press pass - and they married six months later in 1922. This partnership would become the cornerstone of his most famous work.
The Rise of Easy Aces
In 1930, Ace's radio career took an unexpected turn when he was assigned to read Sunday comics on a local radio station. What began as a mundane assignment transformed into something extraordinary when an impromptu conversation with Jane about a bridge game became a hit. Easy Aces became a long-running serial comedy that ran from 1930 to 1945. The show featured Goodman as a harried real estate salesman and Jane as his charmingly scatterbrained wife, famous for her hilarious malaprops. Though never a ratings blockbuster, the show was beloved by radio insiders for its literate, conversational style.
Expanding Beyond Radio
Ace's talents extended far beyond Easy Aces. During World War II, he participated in the War Department's Hit Kit songbook series. He wrote for numerous shows, including The Danny Kaye Show and The Milton Berle Show, earning an impressive $3,000 per week. In the 1950s, Ace became a television critic for Saturday Review, publishing a collection of his critiques called The Book of Little Knowledge: More Than You Want to Know About Television. His witty columns, later collected in books like The Fine Art of Hypochondria, showcased his trademark humor.
Legacy and Later Years
Goodman Ace was renowned for his understanding of comedy. As he famously noted, comedy requires a "marriage between writer and performer" - a philosophy that defined his approach to entertainment. His wit was so sharp that he could humorously respond to even serious situations, like a relative's dramatic threat, with characteristic comedic timing. After retiring from performing in 1949, Ace continued writing and occasionally offering commentaries. In 1970, he published a collection of Easy Aces scripts, ensuring the preservation of his comedic legacy.
Works and Appearances
Radio
- Easy Aces (1930-1945)
- Mr. Ace and Jane (1948)
- Monitor (NBC Radio)
- Weekday (NBC Radio)
Television
- Easy Aces (DuMont Network, 1949-1950)
- Television writing for The Danny Kaye Show
- Television writing for The Milton Berle Show
Writing
- The Book of Little Knowledge (1955)
- The Fine Art of Hypochondria
- Ladies and Gentlemen – Easy Aces (1970)
Goodman Ace passed away in March 1982 in New York City, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of humor and innovation in American broadcasting.
