Who hosted the Texaco Star Theater?

Who hosted the Texaco Star Theater?

• A. Ed Sullivan
• B. Milton Berle
• C. Johnny Carson
• D. Groucho Marx

Answer: (B)

Early television relied on sponsored programs led by a magnetic host, and the Texaco Star Theater is a prime example of that era. Milton Berle hosted the show on NBC from 1948 to 1956, with Texaco as the sponsor. His lively, comic variety acts and quick crowd appeal helped turn TV into a mass medium and earned him the nickname “Mr. Television.” The other names are associated with different programs: Ed Sullivan with The Ed Sullivan Show, Johnny Carson with The Tonight Show, and Groucho Marx with You Bet Your Life. But this particular Texaco-sponsored program is tied to Milton Berle.

Early television relied on sponsored programs led by a magnetic host, and the Texaco Star Theater is a prime example of that era. Milton Berle hosted the show on NBC from 1948 to 1956, with Texaco as the sponsor. His lively, comic variety acts and quick crowd appeal helped turn TV into a mass medium and earned him the nickname “Mr. Television.” The other names are associated with different programs: Ed Sullivan with The Ed Sullivan Show, Johnny Carson with The Tonight Show, and Groucho Marx with You Bet Your Life. But this particular Texaco-sponsored program is tied to Milton Berle.