Kay Kyser

Acting

June 18, 1905 – July 23, 1985 (died at 80)

Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA

Male

20 Movies

1 TV Shows

James Kern Kyser (June 18, 1905 – July 23, 1985), known as Kay Kyser, was a popular radio personality and bandleader in the 1930's and 40's. Kyser's most popular show was Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge, which combined popular music with a quiz show format. It aired on Mutual Radio in 1938 and then moved to NBC Radio from 1939 to 1949. Kyser led the band as “The Ol’ Perfessor,” spouting signature catch phrases like, “That’s right—you’re wrong,” “Evenin’ folks, how y’all?” and “C'mon, chillun! Le's dance!” Kyser was also known for having his singers sing the song titles, a device copied by Sammy Kaye and Blue Barron. When the song began, one of the band's lead singers (usually Harry Babbitt) sang the title phrase, and then the first verse or two of the song was performed instrumentally before the lyrics resumed.

You'll Find Out

1940 5.6

as Himself

Age 35 (now 80)

My Favorite Spy

1942 5.7

as Kay Kyser

Age 36 (now 80)

Playmates

1941 5.7

as Kay Kyser

Age 36 (now 80)

That's Right – You're Wrong

1939 6.3

as Kay Kyser

Age 34 (now 80)

If I Forget You

1940 6.3

as Orchestra

Age 34 (now 80)

Swing Fever

1943 6.0

as Lowell Blackford

Age 38 (now 80)

Carolina Blues

1944 5.8

as Himself

Age 39 (now 80)

Africa Squeaks

1940 5.8

as Cake Icer (voice)

Age 34 (now 80)

Around the World

1943 6.3

as Kay Kyser

Age 38 (now 80)

Thousands Cheer

1943 6.4

as Kay Kyser

Age 38 (now 80)

Invisible Opponent

1933 6.5

as Sir Thomas

Age 28 (now 80)

Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2

1941 7.0

Age 36 (now 80)

Stage Door Canteen

1943 6.3

as Kay Kyser

Age 38 (now 80)

Showbiz Goes to War

1982 10.0

as (archive footage)

Age 77 (now 80)

Screen Snapshots (Series 23, no. 3)

1943

as Himself

Age 38 (now 80)

The Movie Orgy

1968 6.6

as Self (archive footage)

Age 62 (now 80)