Entertainer MIKE DOUGLAS, who hosted his own talk show from 1961 to 1982, passed away today, his birthday, while in hospital in West Palm Beach, FL. He was 81.The Chicago-born star served in the Navy during World War II, and later sang with a big band in the ’40s and ’50s. He also provided the singing voice of Prince Charming for Disney’s 1950 animated classic, ‘Cinderella.’But he was perhaps best known for his syndicated afternoon program, "The Mike Douglas Show," which ran for over 20 years and garnered five Emmys. The popular program, featured a variety of guests — including actors, singers and comics — from BARBRA STREISAND and TRUMAN CAPOTE to MALCOLM X and former president RICHARD NIXON."Mike was an extraordinarily nice man. I adored him," says comedienne and former guest JOAN RIVERS. "Mike was fun, he was generous and, let’s not forget, he invented daytime talk. He made me want to go down to Philadelphia [where the show was once filmed]."
Entertainment Tonight
He died on his birthday how poetic.
