My Friend Irma

My Friend Irma was a popular radio comedy series that ran from 1947 to 1954 on CBS. Created by writer-director-producer Cy Howard, the show centered around the misadventures of the title character, Irma Peterson, a scatterbrained young stenographer from Minnesota, and her sensible roommate Jane Stacy.

The series was a classic “dumb blonde” sitcom, with Irma constantly getting herself into trouble through her naivety and poor decision-making, while Jane tried in vain to keep her out of harm’s way. Irma’s deadbeat boyfriend Al, who was always hatching get-rich-quick schemes, and their eccentric upstairs neighbor Professor Kropotkin, a Russian violinist at the local burlesque theater, rounded out the main cast of characters.

The radio show was so successful that it spawned a media franchise, including two feature films, a television series, comic strips, and comic books. The radio version was broadcast on CBS from April 11, 1947, to August 23, 1954.

The Stars

The role of the title character, Irma Peterson, was played by actress Marie Wilson throughout the radio series’ run. Wilson’s portrayal of the lovable but dim-witted Irma was central to the show’s popularity.

Cathy Lewis co-starred as Irma’s sensible roommate Jane Stacy, providing a perfect foil to Wilson’s Irma. Lewis was the show’s narrator, opening each episode by recounting one of Irma’s latest misadventures. Joan Banks briefly took over the role of Jane during Lewis’ illness in 1949, and Mary Shipp later assumed the part.

Other regular cast members included John Brown as Irma’s boyfriend Al, and Hans Conried as the eccentric Professor Kropotkin. Conried was later replaced by Kenny Delmar as the Professor’s cousin, Maestro Wanderkin.

Key Dates

• The My Friend Irma radio series debuted on CBS on April 11, 1947.
• It ran for over seven years, with the final episode airing on August 23, 1954.
• In 1953, there was a significant cast change when Hans Conried departed the show and was replaced by Kenny Delmar as the new upstairs neighbor, Maestro Wanderkin.

Other Information

The My Friend Irma radio series was sponsored by Swan Soap, ENNDS breath and body odor products, and Pepsodent toothpaste. The show’s popularity led to a unique promotional contest in 1952, where the highest bidder could have Marie Wilson, as Irma, serve as their personal secretary for a day, with the proceeds going to the March of Dimes charity.

The radio program’s success also spawned a My Friend Irma comic strip, which ran in syndication from 1950 to 1955, as well as a comic book series published by Atlas Comics (later Marvel) from 1950 to 1955.

The success of the radio program led to the production of two feature films, My Friend Irma (1949) and My Friend Irma Goes West (1950), as well as a television adaptation that aired on CBS from 1952 to 1954.

While the radio series was never awarded any major accolades, it remains a beloved classic of the golden age of American radio comedy, remembered for its endearing characters, clever writing, and Marie Wilson’s iconic performance as the lovably dim-witted Irma.