Art Linkletter passed away today, May 26, 2010. As one of the earliest American television celebrities, Art Linkletter holds a special place in pop culture history. Sadly for his friends, family, and all of us who remember him, he has reportedly died today, as reported by the New York Times.
When Art Linkletter is Dead, He Will Leave a Legacy
Art Linkletter was born July 17, 1912. [Source: Wikipedia, Art Linkletter] Accordingly, he was 97 years old at his passing. For some time, therefore, people on-line have been speculating about whether he is still alive. In fact, this article was written while he was alive, and updated on the day of his death (thanks to an alert commenter who noted his passing).
As a pioneer of television entertainment, he hosted popular shows, including “House Party” and “People are Funny.” He also authored numerous books, including the bestselling “Kids Say the Darndest Things,” in which children accidentally make poignantly truthful comments about various adult topics. [Source: Art Linkletter Biography, provided by Composer John Beal].
Art Linkletter’s sense of life earned him the following praise from comedian Bill Cosby: “Art and I have one thing in common: We have never completely grown up. Kids accept us as one of them and we share a rapport that can only be described as mischievous.” [Source: Kids Say the Darndest Things!, page xvii]
At his death, Art Linkletter leaves us a rich legacy due to his role in the creation of modern television entertainment, as well as his general popularity and affable personality.
But Art Linkletter is Not Dead Yet
Today I stumbled across a website that claims Art Linkletter died in 2007: http://www.hearthealthyonline.com/heart-disease-overview/stress-management/art-linkletter-guide_1.html. I can only assume that there are many more websites and blogs claiming Art Linkletter is dead.
Notwithstanding those reports, however, Art Linkletter was very much alive in his final years. Despite his age, he was active and still newsworthy. On March 11, 2009, the Wall Street Journal reported on Linkletter’s ongoing efforts to remedy America’s Social Security crisis. [See, “He Says the Darndest Things About His Life and New Quest.”]
Even in his old age, Art Linkletter was praised for his positive attitude and energetic spirit. See, e.g., http://www.caring.com/blogs/caring-currents/if-only-all-our-parents-could-be-art-linkletter. For many, he was a symbol of a simpler era. We mourn his loss and wish the best to his family, friends, and fans.
Sources
“Art Linkletter – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2 July 2009 .
“Art Linkletter Biography, provided by Composer John Beal.” Film and Television Composer John Beal Hollywood, California. 2 July 2009 .
GRIMES, WILLIAM. “Art Linkletter, TV Host, Dies at 97 – Obituary (Obit) – NYTimes.com.” The New York Times – Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May 2010. .
Linkletter, Art, and Charles M. Schulz. Kids Say the Darndest Things!. Millbrae, CA: Celestial Arts, 2005.
Moore, Stephen. “He Says the Darndest Things About His Life and New Quest.” Wall Street Journal 11 Mar. 2009, sec. D: 7.
