The founder ofSt. Judeand ALSAC died on February 6, 1991, just two days after joining patients, parents and employees to celebrate the hospitals 29th anniversary. He was known for being a TV Actor. If you speak another language, assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. He also turned it down. Its an event where the yoga community comes together one day a year, combining forces with other yoga studios across the country to raise money for St. Jude.. Once more details are available, we will update this section. He then starred in the long-running television sitcom Make Room for Daddy (later, The Danny Thomas Show from the fourth season onwards) from 1953 to 1964, in which he played the lead role of Danny Williams. Rusty Hamer. Thomas often appeared in cameos on shows he produced, including his portrayal of the tuxedoed, droll alien Kolak, from the planet Twilo, in the Dick Van Dyke Show science-fiction spoof, "It May Look Like a Walnut". Her former series' lead, acting mentor and best friend Danny Thomas died on February 6, 1991 (he celebrated his 79th birthday on January 6, 1991, with friends and family, he appeared on The Tonight Show (1962), January 29, and passed away the next week). During those years, she has participated fully in the decisions that have led to the hospital's current expansion. Also Known As: Amos Muzyad Yaqoob Kairouz, children: Marlo Thomas Tony Thomas Terre Thomas, place of death: Los Angeles, California, United States, See the events in life of Danny Thomas in Chronological Order, (Creator & Star of the Highly Successful Sitcom 'The Danny Thomas Show'), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Early_photo_of_Danny_Thomas.JPG, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marlo-thomas/viva-today-remembering-daddy_b_3415932.html?ir=India&adsSiteOverride=in. Thomas, like many actors prominent in television, endorsed commercial products. In his five decades long career, he started by working as a comedian in American nightclubs and soon progressed to become a television and film actor and later on producing shows and unravelling new talent and new faces. Thomas became a successful television producer (with Sheldon Leonard and Aaron Spelling among his partners) of The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Andy Griffith Show, That Girl and The Mod Squad. When he realized what hed done, Danny prayed for a way to pay the looming hospital bills. COVID-19 vaccines are safe for those worried about fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 6 January. Danny Thomas in MyHeritage family trees (Britschgi Web Site) view all Immediate Family. We have estimated Rock star Sheryl Crow of Kennett, Missouri has signed on as a St. Jude Ambassador. Danny Thomas (born Amos Muzyad Yaqoob Kairouz; January 6, 1912 February 6, 1991) was an American actor, singer, nightclub comedian, producer, and philanthropist. Born in Detroit, Michigan on November 21, 1937, Marlo was christened Margaret Julia Thomas. 322 Danny Thomas & Family Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Images Creative Editorial Video Creative Editorial FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 322 Danny Thomas & Family Premium High Res Photos Browse 322 danny thomas & family stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. In the early 1970s, Thomas reunited most of his second Daddy cast (Marjorie Lord, Rusty Hamer, and Angela Cartwright) for a short-lived update of the show, Make Room for Granddaddy. Generation also known as The Greatest Generation. Thomas was responsible for Mary Tyler Moore's first "big break" in acting. The Hagen character died offscreen in 1956 and was replaced by Marjorie Lord; Angela Cartwright also joined the cast at this time playing Danny's stepdaughter. Discover what happened on this day. Best known for starring in the sitcom, Make Room for Daddy, he is also the founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. So it will never go off course because it will always be this pool.". Diego Hijano, MD, explains why in this Q&A. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. . Getting vaccinated after COVID-19 will boost your immune response and protect you against new variants of the virus. We must do all we can to protect themand that means that every single employee must be vaccinated. Whos the richest TV Actor in the world? St. Jude families share their reasons for getting the COVID-19 vaccine. He was one of the nine children born to the couple. He was a member of the Good Shepherd Parish and the Catholic Motion Picture Guild in Beverly Hills, California. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with annual expenses, as of 2018, of over $1.4 billion funded by nearly $1.5 billion in donations. "[19] With help from Dr. Lemuel Diggs and close friend Anthony Abraham, an auto magnate in Miami, Florida, Thomas founded the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1962. [citation needed], A devout Roman Catholic,[8] Thomas was named a Knight Commander of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre by Pope Paul VI in recognition of his services to the church and the community. He started as a nightclub comedian. Graduated from Woodward High School in Toledo, OH, in 1931. view all danny thomas's Timeline. A few years later, at another turning point in his life, Danny visited a church and remembered his pledge toSt. Jude. She was on the show from 1957 to 1964. Danny Williams, his character on The Danny Thomas Show (1953), was ranked #5 in "TV Guide'"s list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" in its 20 June 2004 issue. For Thomas' contribution to the television industry, in February 1960 he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard. , money, salary, income, and assets. Thomas also portrayed himself as a scatterbrained Lothario on this show. Find where to watch Danny Thomas's latest movies and tv shows . In 1991, he played his final role in the TV Movie Empty Nest, as the character Dr. Leo Brewster. The initials "G.I." child. Best known for starring in the sitcom, Make Room for Daddy, he is also the founder of St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. In 1932, Thomas began performing on radio in Detroit at WMBC on The Happy Hour Club. St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, serves as the National Outreach Director for I'm a Big Girl Now. LOS ANGELES Rose Marie Thomas, the wife of late entertainer-producer Danny Thomas and the mother of actress Marlo Thomas, has died at age 86, publicists for the family and the hospital her husband founded said on Wednesday. As a "starving actor", Thomas had made a vow: If he found success, he would open a shrine dedicated to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes. She notes that of the board's 48 members, 17 are second or third generation members. Jean Hagen, Sherry Jackson, and Rusty Hamer were his first family. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. [29], In 1991, Thomas died after a heart attack at his home in Beverly Hills, a hospital spokesman said. It feels right to continue to give back in any way that I can. Learn how the hospitals Resilience Center is expanding to welcome a new facility dog dedicated to employees. [4] Thomas was raised in Toledo, Ohio, attending St. Francis de Sales Church, Woodward High School, and finally the University of Toledo, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. is 5'11"(1.8m) . People born under this sign are clever and charming. Two years later, Danny had achieved moderate acting success in Detroit, but he was struggling to take his career to the next level. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. Danny Thomas isnt just noted for being the talented comedian and skilled actor that he was, but a true humanitarian. Rusty Hamer, the precocious young star of television's legendary "Make Room for Daddy" series and a talent Danny Thomas called . St. Jude has two other facility dogs who support patient care. Generation. [21] Further, the World Health Organization has named St. Jude's as its first "Collaborating Center for Childhood Cancer" to help increase survival rates on rare pediatric cancer from 20% to as much as 60% by 2030.[21]. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. "[9] At the time, Lebanon was part of the Ottoman Empire (until 1920) and Lebanese immigrants were identified as Syrians in most of the world and as Turks in Latin America. Dionne (Terre's daughter), Gaby (Tony's granddaughter & Kristina's daughter) and me. Sherry Jackson portrayed their daughter, Terry, and Rusty Hamer played son Rusty. No child should die in the dawn of life. The 30-minute weekly variety show was on ABC from 1942 to 1943 and on CBS from 1947 to 1948.[10]. He was laid to rest in a family burial crypt at theDanny Thomas/ALSAC Pavilionon the grounds of the hospital. Copyright 2023. People who are born with Saturn as the ruling planet are disciplined and are hard workers. 2023 Getty Images. [28], In 1990, Danny Thomas was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. Further, the 1930 Census states his parents were born in Syria; while the 1920 census states that they were born in "Seria," and that their mother tongue is "Serian. As a child she was cast as the cute little stepdaughter, Linda Williams, on The Danny Thomas Show (1953). Since its inception, St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and around the world, continuing the mission of finding cures and saving children. We've helped improve the survival rate of childhood cancer from 20% to 80%. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. [6][7] He married Rose Marie Cassaniti in 1936, a week after his 24th birthday. Saving children. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/danny-thomas-4720.php, 20th Century Film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century American Film & Theater Personalities. More than 70 years ago, Danny Thomas, then a struggling young entertainer with a baby on the way, visited a Detroit church and was so moved during the Mass, he placed his last $7 in the collection box. He performed under his birth name Amos Jacobs Kairouz early in his career before changing it to Danny Thomas after two of his brothers. He played the character of a songwriter Gus Kahn in the film I'll See You in My Dreams opposite Doris Day. Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. Dionne Kirschner, Danny Thomas' oldest granddaughter. We will continue to update information on Danny Thomass parents. Amos Muzyad Yaqoob Kairouz (later Americanized to Amos Jacobs Kairouz), Riverside County Sheriffs Department Museum Archives, The Ford Show, Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford, "Danny Thomas, 79, a Comedian Who Championed a Cause", "St. Jude Children's Hospital Was Danny Thomas' Dream, but Dr. Alvin Mauer Makes It Come True", "Danny Thomas, 79, the TV Star Of 'Make Room for Daddy,' Dies", The Music of Arab-Americans: A Retrospective Collection, Reviewed Work: The Music of Arab Americans: A Retrospective Collection, "On This Day: Liam Clancy of The Clancy Brothers passes away in 2009", "Danny Thomas Special: The Wonderful World of Burlesque", "Wonderful World of Burlesque I, The (1965) - Overview - TCM.com", "Wonderful World of Burlesque II-Danny Thomas Speci", "Danny Thomas' The Wonderful World of Burlesque: Second Edition", "Danny Thomas' the Wonderful World of Burlesque: Third Edition", "Guideposts Classics: Danny Thomas on Keeping His Promise", "Burlesque, St. Louis, and the Harry Wald Collection", "Fifty Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About St. Jude", "The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1996", "St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital 2018 Annual Report", "L.A.'s Power Golf Clubs: Where the Hollywood Elite Play", "Television Hall of Fame Honorees: Complete List", "Emmys make room for Danny Thomas with a Bob Hope Humanitarian Award", Biography at the Museum Broadcast Communications, Danny Thomas receives the Congressional Gold Medal from President Ronald Reagan, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Danny_Thomas&oldid=1140162536, Television producers from New York (state), Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Primetime Emmy Award winners, CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 19:29. The two went into the wedlock on January 15, 1936. Please check back soon for updates. Posthumously, he was seen in a commercial of St Jude Hospital which he had shot right before his death. Dr. Peter C. Doherty of St. Jude's Immunology Department, was a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1996 for key discoveries on how the immune system works to kill virus-infected cells. Fifteen years later Danny Thomas is one of America's most popular comedians. Learn more. Date Of Birth: January 6, 1912 Date Of Death: February 6, 1991 Cause Of Death: N/A Ethnicity: Middle Eastern Nationality: American Danny Thomas was born on the 6th of January, 1912. St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate for childhood cancer from 20% when we first opened our doors to 80% today. A situational comedy, the show revolved around a semi-retired comedian whose grandchildren were orphaned after the death of their parents in car accident. The show was produced at Desilu Studios, where Lucille Ball was appearing alongside Desi Arnaz in I Love Lucy, and it featured several guest stars who went on to star in their own shows, including Andy Griffith (The Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry RFD), Joey Bishop, and Bill Bixby (My Favorite Martian and others). Its to honor him, and to honor the children whose lives he has helped save.. He portrayed songwriter Gus Kahn opposite Doris Day in the 1951 film biography I'll See You in My Dreams. He also served TV behind the cameras partnering with Sheldon Leonard and Aaron Spelling to create such shows as Dick Van Dyke's show, The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961), The Andy Griffith Show (1960) and Mod Squad (1968). Thomas first reached mass audiences on network radio in the 1940s playing shifty brother-in-law Amos in The Bickersons, which began as sketches on the music-comedy show Drene Time, starring Don Ameche and Frances Langford. Even with cheap special effects and a hokey story line, the show is still popular today. Read how they changed the patient experience. Comedian, actor, producer. His other network radio work included a stint as Jerry Dingle the postman on Fanny Brice's The Baby Snooks Show. For his humanitarian work and contribution as an entertainer, the US Postal Service honoured him by issuing a first class forever stamp, which had him enrobed in a tuxedo outside St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. One of his other "commercials" was actually a public-service message, with fund-raising goals, for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Who are the richest people in the world? 2023 TV GUIDE, A FANDOM COMPANY. 1981. His wife is Rose Marie Mantell Thomas (15 January1936 - 6 February1991)( his death)( 3 children). One Big Family. Thomas was guest of honor in The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast that aired December 15, 1976, on NBC. Kirschner (above, middle), who enjoys practicing yoga to start her day, said she hopes others will resolve to use their passion for yoga to support St. Jude so that events are held in every state. She is a photographer (and has been since 1969), novelist, artist and occasional actress. They're helping to direct their fans' donations to St. Jude. He created and starred in the Danny Thomas Show. Marlo Thomas, daughter of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, says she hopes there's always a Thomas family member on the St. Jude board. . The songs later appeared on the re-issue album The Music of Arab-Americans: A Retrospective Collection. Their daughter Terry was played by Sherry Jackson and their son Rusty by Rusty Hamer. He also scored a major success at the London Palladium, in the years when many big American stars appeared there. Parker was written out of the series with her marriage to the character Patrick Hannigan, played by comedian Pat Harrington, Jr. On January 1, 1959, Thomas appeared with his other Make Room for Daddy child stars, Angela Cartwright and Rusty Hamer, in an episode of NBC's The Ford Show, Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford. Pictured on a nondenominated ("forever") USA commemorative postage stamp issued in his honor 16 February 2012. He was living in Ward 6, Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, according to the 1920 United States Census as Amos Jacobs, the same in the 1930 Census, and in 1940 living in Ward 2, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, as Amos J. Jacobs, a radio and theatrical artist. Read about it. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. JUMP TO: Danny Thomass biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos and related celebs. Copyright 2012 WMC-TV. Venturing further, in 1953, he bagged a role in the television show, Make Room For Daddy. The couple was blessed with three children - Margaret, Theresa and Charles Anthony. He was one of the nine children born to the couple. Danny Thomas Producer Age, Biography and Wiki Muzyad Yakhoob (Muzzy, Jake) was born on 6 January, 1912 in Deerfield, Michigan, USA, is a Producer, Actor, Writer. It was after moving to Chicago in 1940 that he changed his name to Danny Thomas. Dannys request struck a responsive chord. Danny Thomas was a successful entertainer who started his film career in 1947 and starred in a couple of films. Short lived, the series circled around the plot wherein he looked after his grandson while his daughter was away with her husband on a long business tour. St. Jude is a world leader in both providing treatment to children and making scientific discoveries that will save the lives of . [11][12] From 1952 through 1974, Thomas also recorded a number of vocal albums on his own, as well as participating on other albums.[13]. Premised around Danny and Kathy Williams caring for their grandson by daughter Terry, who was away with her husband who was serving in the Military, and stationed in Japan, the show lasted one season. By the mid-1970s, Thomas' son Tony had become an accomplished television producer. Tony, along with Paul Junger Witt, formed Witt/Thomas Productions in 1975, and was responsible for his father's next three (and ultimately final) starring vehicles. It may seem like the COVID-19 vaccine moved quickly to emergency use authorization and approval, but in reality, researchers used years of data, research and advances to fast-track the lifesaving vaccines. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Danny had experienced the power of prayer. Muzyad Yakhoob (Muzzy, Jake) was born on 6 January, 1912 in Deerfield, Michigan, USA, is a Producer, Actor, Writer. Raised as a Roman catholic, he attended the Woodward High School before enrolling himself at the University of Toledo. Furthermore, he produced three series of the shows, Walter Brennan: The Real McCoys, The Tycoon and The Guns of Will Sonnett. He was an active member of the Good Shepherd Parish and the Catholic Motion Picture Guild in Beverly Hills, California. This is one of the fundraisers that I thought of to do that. The next day, he was offered a small part that would pay 10 times the amount hed given to the church. "March 12 was. Birth of danny thomas. It also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which Thomas founded in February 1962. They're curious, but sometimes too motivated by money. St. Jude now has affiliate hospitals in eight other American cities as of early 2020. It also indulges in finding cures for medical complexities. [3] His parents were Maronite Catholic immigrants from Bsharri, Lebanon. [18] He fervently believed "no child should die in the dawn of life. Trivia. By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. Danny Thomas's net worth Kynis Douglas, Human Resources, got the COVID-19 vaccine to honor her fathers memory after he died from the disease earlier this year. When you donate, your gift meansfamilies never receive a bill fromSt. Judefor treatment, travel, housing or food because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. She often felt neglected by Danny, and on several occasions felt like leaving him. St. Jude School Program arranged a virtual graduation for high school students this year. A stretch of roadway in Memphis is locally known as Danny Thomas Boulevard. Danny Thomas sings "Dionne" (1969) 5,832 views Aug 28, 2016 81 Dislike Share Save Anthony DiFlorio 9.91K subscribers Danny Thomas sings a song he wrote for his newborn Granddaughter,. This page is updated often with latest details about Danny Thomas. Birth Place:Deerfield, Michigan, United States, Profession He was onMake Room for Daddy, later known asThe Danny Thomas Show, and he remembered his pledge to build a shrine toSt. Jude. The Danny Thomas Hour is an American anthology television series that was broadcast on NBC during the 19671968 television season. Chinese Zodiac: Danny Thomas was born in the Year of the Rabbit. Danny Thomas' granddaughter, Travel with Kate, shares her take on #ExpediaStJude Dream Trips! Kirschner and her two friends started Yoga Gives to St. Jude Kids in just a single yoga studio in Los Angeles, and it grew into a nationwide activity in 23 cities that has raised nearly $340,000 for St. Jude. It was one of television's most durable and popular situation comedies. [33], In 1965, Danny Thomas was appointed as a Special Deputy Sheriff by Ben Clark, who was a long standing Riverside County Sheriff and a recognized "trail blazer" in terms of professionalizing the law enforcement profession in California and the United States. 1912 January 6, 1912. Sherry Jackson left the series in 1958, and Penny Parker replaced her in the 19591960 season. He is from USA. Amos Alphonsus Muzyad Yakhoob is part of G.I. Kate is a finalist in the USA TODAY 10 Best Travel. The yoga community really wants to give back and do something bigger than themselves, Kirschner said. Thomas also filmed the introduction to the Masonic Service Association's movie, When the Band Stops Playing. Posthumously, he was bestowed with the 2004 Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. Since that time, she has made a life outside of films. Collect, curate and comment on your files. His career took a turn for the better, and soon he moved his family to Chicago to pursue career offers. Actress, producer and social activist Marlo Thomas, daughter of Its my wish to give back and take part in the place that meant everything to my grandfather, Kirschner said. Saving children. Danny Thomas was born as Amos Muzyad Yakhoob Kairouz to Charles Yakhoob Kairouz and Margaret Taouk in Deerfield Michigan. Danny Thomas' three children; Marlo, Tony and Terry have devoted 50 years of their lives to supporting inspired St. Jude researchers who've saved countless children. Virtually all research outcomes have discredited infertility concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. Other than starring in numerous television shows, films and radio, he made his presence felt in commercials as well endorsing a lot of products. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. The show's premise involved Danny rarely having time to spend with his family and Margaret having to deal with the children virtually on her own. Browse 322 danny thomas family stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. St. Jude. Like many famous people and celebrities, Danny Thomas kept his personal life private. Premised around Danny and Kathy Williams caring for their grandson by daughter Terry, who was away with her husband who was serving in the Military, and stationed in Japan, the show lasted one season. christopher Gregory. 1991 February 6, 1991. Learn how Rosalie, a golden retriever facility dog, will help support employee resilience. Watch and learn how you can change a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital child's life.. He was interred in a mausoleum on the grounds of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. A park in Toledo, Ohio, bears Thomas' name and a monument. So, it was fun to be able to make smart remarks and get away with it. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. In the years that followed, Danny's career flourished through films and television, and he became an internationally known entertainer. I would never have talked to my real parents that way, but in the make-believe world of the Williams family I got away with that." Eventually, he was seen in the 1952 film The Jazz Singer which was a remake of the original film of 1927 opposite Peggy Lee. Two They know what this place is and what it needs to always be. In 1970 Angela had a part in Make Room for Granddaddy (1970), a sequel to the original series, but the show was soon canceled. Danny started raising money for his vision ofSt. Judein the early 1950s. After his two late 1940s films with Margaret O'Brien, Thomas appeared with Betty Grable in the musical Call Me Mister (1951). Learn more. He also appeared in the 1988 TV movie Side by Side, opposite Milton Berle and Sid Caesar. "Their parents all served with my father," Thomas said. Ruling Planet: Danny Thomas had a ruling planet of Saturn and has a ruling planet of Saturn and by astrological associations Saturday is ruled by Saturn. Also learn how He earned most of Danny Thomas networth? Already a successful entertainer, Thomas began his film career in 1947, playing opposite child actress Margaret O'Brien in The Unfinished Dance (1947) and Big City (1948). Discover Danny Thomas's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Two days previously he had celebrated St. Jude Hospital's 29th anniversary and filmed a commercial,[30] which aired posthumously. The scientific breakthroughs St. Jude makes are shared freely worldwide. Travel vlogger Kate Thomas, granddaughter of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, always makes a spot on her itinerary for the kids of St. Jude. Danny made appearances on television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast, One Big Family, and host of others. Furthermore, he made appearances on the popular NBC program The Big Show. At 79 years old, Danny Thomas height Learn more. In the early 1950s he made several appearances on the popular NBC variety program, The Big Show, hosted by stage legend Tallulah Bankhead. ", Danny Thomas' grandson, musician Jason Thomas Gordon, created "Music Gives to St. Jude Kids.". After becoming a successful actor in the early 1950s, his wife joined him and began traveling the United States to help raise funds to build St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The last series in which Thomas was a headlining star was One Big Family, which aired in syndication during the 19861987 season. Zodiac Sign: Danny Thomas was a Capricorn. Later known as The Danny Thomas Show, it went on a 13 year stint, until 1965. AKA: The Danny Thomas Show. Private. St. Judephysicians and scientists have pioneered treatments that have helped push the overall survival rates for childhood cancers from 20 percent when the hospital opened in 1962 to 80 percent today. A deadpan, freckle-faced, curly red-haired, highly talented child actor of the late 50s, Rusty Hamer entered films and TV at age 5 and became a precocious TV celebrity the very next year, trading clever quips with volatile top comedian Danny Thomas as his smart-alecky son, Rusty Williams, on the hit sitcom, The Danny Thomas Show (1953), in 1953.