One of the earliest American television legends was not actually American. Art Linkletter was born Gordon Arthur Kelly in Canada. He was abandoned by his birth parents and was adopted by Jane and Fulton Linkletter who renamed their son and moved to San Diego, California.
Mr. Linkletter got his start on radio, but quickly transitioned to television, making friends in Hollywood and becoming a trusted pitchman.
Mr. Linkletter's most famous television show was the classic Kids Say the Darnedest Things. Art had a knack for putting children at ease enough to reveal things that they'd never tell another stranger. Embarrassing and hilarious things.
Mr. Linkletter parlayed his fame into various enterprises, including a stake in Milton Bradley's Game of Life. He also had the foresight to purchase the camera and film concession at DISNEYLAND, helping his good friend Walt Disney finance his dream.
After a lifetime on television, Mr. Linkletter passed away in 2010 at the age of 97.
