Who Was The Host Of Candid Camera

An episode of "Candid Camera" in 1963 closed Delaware as a prank.

In the history of goggle box, during which thousands of network entertainment programs have come and gone, only one show has produced new episodes in each of the last viii decades: "Candid Camera." What a remarkable feat.

With the Emmys having been handed out Monday night, and with my father's birthday anniversary the day before, I'm reminded how unfair information technology is that the Television set Academy has snubbed Allen Funt. He non only created a hit show, he invented a genre. And although he might not have personally enjoyed all the derivative shows, he is the male parent of "Reality Television set."

Much as I loved my dad, admired his work, and followed in his footsteps, I'thousand reluctant to apply this forum — a coveted spot in your newspaper or on its website — to discuss my family unit's Television set business. But indulge me simply this once, because it'southward a story worth telling.

It was 70 years ago, in Baronial 1948, that "Candid Camera" had its premiere as the very showtime show ever telecast past ABC. The network has never acknowledged that fact in its own written history, although I can't imagine why.

After runs on NBC and in syndication, my dad's show joined the powerhouse Sunday lineup on CBS in the 1960s, along with "Ed Sullivan" and "What's My Line?" "Candid Camera" was a blast hit, simply when it came time for the Emmys there was no category to accommodate it.

In 1961, the bear witness was nominated in a category known as "Humour." Other nominees were Bob Hope'southward comedy series, Andy Griffith'southward sitcom, the animated hit "The Flintstones," and that year's winner: "The Jack Benny Evidence." Nowadays Emmy categories have been expanded to include a raft of reality shows — some of which I guarantee yous've never heard of, let alone watched.

During his remarkable career, Allen Funt hosted "Candid Photographic camera" on ABC, NBC, CBS, HBO and Playboy. (I've hosted the series on CBS, PAX and TV Land.) Nosotros've had a 25th anniversary special (ABC); a 35th (NBC); a 40th (CBS) and a 50th (CBS). What other testify can say that?

Our vast library of hidden-camera sequences is used past colleges and universities around the world for studying psychology. How rare is that for a TV series?

Our nonprofit, Laughter Therapy, distributes "Candid Camera" footage at no charge to critically sick people. As first explained by Norman Cousins in his book "Anatomy of an Illness," our existent-life comedy is uniquely useful in providing pain relief and releasing endorphins.

And yet, the snub of my male parent and his misunderstood creation continues. When the National Comedy Heart opened last month in Jamestown, North.Y., hundreds of performers and programs were showcased. Many of the honorees in the $50 million facility are as obscure as the comedian Moms Mabley, who died in 1975. Remember her?

Just when I asked an official at the Center why there is no mention whatsoever of Allen Funt or "Candid Camera" he was at a loss for words.

I wrote to the Television Academy a few months back, suggesting that this year's 70th anniversary of both the Emmys and "Aboveboard Camera" might exist an appropriate time to at least acknowledge my male parent'south contribution. They couldn't exist bothered.

Back in 1947 when the radio show "Aboveboard Microphone" preceded the Goggle box version, my father did a skit in which he spoke to a man who specialized in organizing testimonials. "Who are we honoring?" asked the guy. "Me," said my dad.

"OK. What are your accomplishments?"

"I really don't have any."

"Well, who are the friends and colleagues who will speak about you?"

"None that I can call back of."

"Then why the heck do you want a testimonial?"

"I'd just similar to know what it's like to exist honored."

In existent life, however, my dad didn't covet honors or recognition by his peers.

The payoff for Allen Funt was only knowing that as a result of his efforts, so many millions of people were able to grin.

A listing of Peter Funt'southward upcoming live appearances is available at CandidCamera.com. Funt's columns distributed exclusively past Cagle Cartoons Inc. newspaper syndicate.