Announcer

Howard Petrie

1906–1968 · Beverly, Massachusetts, U.S.

In the golden age of radio, few personalities embodied the versatility and charm of Howard Alexander Petrie. With his commanding bass voice and dynamic presence, Petrie became a quintessential figure in broadcasting, seamlessly transitioning from radio announcer to character actor across multiple media platforms.

Early Life and Radio Beginnings

Born on November 22, 1906, in Beverly, Massachusetts, Howard Petrie showed early promise as a talented musician and performer. During his high school years at Somerville High School, he was already demonstrating his potential, conducting the glee club and participating in dramatic productions. His leadership skills were evident as he served as a school regiment captain and chaired the Senior Night Committee. After graduating in 1924, Petrie initially worked as a bank clerk and securities salesman. His life took a dramatic turn during a sales call to a radio station when his resonant bass voice caught the attention of station managers. In 1929, he joined WBZ Radio as a junior announcer, quickly establishing himself in the broadcasting world.

Rise to Prominence in Radio Broadcasting

Petrie's career accelerated rapidly when he moved to New York City in 1930. He became a network announcer for numerous popular shows, including Abie's Irish Rose, Big Sister, and The Jimmy Durante Show. His exceptional skills were recognized professionally, winning the Batten, Barten and Durstine Award for Good Announcing in 1936 and the H.P. Davis Memorial Announcers' Award in 1942. What set Petrie apart was his ability to become more than just a voice. As a "personality announcer," he often became an integral character in shows like The Judy Canova Show, blending announcing with performance in innovative ways.

Transition to Film and Television

In 1947, Petrie's imposing physical presence—standing 6'4" and weighing 240 pounds—caught a movie producer's eye, launching his acting career. He became a prolific character actor, appearing in over thirty feature films and forty television shows, frequently cast in Western genres. His film roles included memorable performances in movies like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Bend of the River, and Rage at Dawn. On television, he made appearances in popular series such as Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and Wanted: Dead or Alive, typically portraying authoritative characters like sheriffs, military officers, and town leaders.

Personal Life and Legacy

On April 21, 1933, Petrie married Alice Wood, whom he met during his time at NBC. They had one son and maintained a stable family life throughout his dynamic career. In his later years, Petrie lived in semi-retirement at his home, Autumn Hill, until his passing on March 24, 1968, in Keene, New Hampshire. Howard Petrie's legacy represents the quintessential mid-20th-century media professional—a versatile performer who navigated the evolving landscape of radio, film, and television with remarkable skill and adaptability.