Jean Shepherd

Jean Shepherd was an American storyteller, humorist, radio and TV personality, writer, and actor who had a career spanning decades. He is best known for the classic film A Christmas Story (1983), which he narrated and co-scripted based on his own semi-autobiographical stories. Shepherd’s unique style of storytelling, which combined humor, satire, and insightful observations about the human condition, made him a beloved figure in the world of old-time radio and beyond.

The Stars

Shepherd was the sole star of his radio shows, captivating audiences with his ability to weave intricate tales without the use of scripts. His deep, resonant voice and knack for comedic timing allowed him to bring his stories to life in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. Shepherd’s radio persona, known affectionately as “Shep,” became a beloved figure to his loyal listeners, who tuned in to hear his musings on everything from New York City life to his childhood memories.

Key Dates

• Shepherd began his broadcast radio career in early 1945 on WJOB in Hammond, Indiana, and went on to work at various stations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York over the following decades.
• His most famous radio stint was at WOR in New York City, where he hosted a late-night show from 1955 to 1977.
• During this time, Shepherd delighted his fans with his storytelling, poetry readings, and listener stunts, such as the famous “I, Libertine” hoax.
• Shepherd’s radio career came to an end in the mid-1990s, when he hosted a Sunday-night show called “Shepherd’s Pie” on WBAI in New York.

Other Information

In addition to his radio work, Shepherd also had a successful career in television and film. He hosted a short-lived TV show called “Inside Jean Shepherd” in the early 1960s, and went on to write and produce numerous works for both television and cinema, all based on his original stories. Shepherd’s most famous screen credit is as the writer and narrator of the beloved holiday classic A Christmas Story, which has become a perennial favorite for many families.

Shepherd’s influence extended beyond the world of entertainment, as he was an inspiration to many other artists and writers.The comic strip “Zippy the Pinhead” by Bill Griffith was heavily influenced by Shepherd’s style, and the character of the eponymous figure from Donald Fagen’s solo album “The Nightfly” was based on Shepherd.

In 2005, Shepherd was posthumously inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2013, he was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as one of the most iconic figures in the history of old-time radio.