'Freeman Fisher "Gozzie" Gosden' (
May 5,
1899 –
December 10,
1982) was an
American radio comedian, and pioneer in the development of the
situation comedy form. He is best known for his work in the ''
Amos 'n' Andy'' series.
Freeman Gosden was born in
Richmond, Virginia. During
World War I he served in the
United States Navy as a wireless operator, which prompted his great interest in the young medium of radio. While attending school in Richmond, Gozzie worked part time in Tarrant's Drug Store at 1 West Broad Street.
In
1921 Gosden first teamed up with
Charles Correll to do radio work, presenting comedy acts, sketches, and hosting variety shows. Their first regular show came in
1925 with their WEBH
Chicago show ''Correll and Gosden, the Life of the Party''. On this show the two told jokes, sang, and played music (Correll played
piano and Gosden
banjo).
In
1926 Gosden and Correll had a hit with their radio show ''
Sam & Henry'' on Chicago radio station WGN. ''Sam & Henry'' is considered by some historians to have been the first situation comedy.
From
1928 to
1960 Gosden and Correll broadcast their ''Amos 'n' Andy'' show, which was one of the most famous and popular shows on radio in the
1930s. Gosden voiced the characters "Amos", "George 'Kingfish' Stevens","Lightning", "Brother Crawford", and some dozen other characters.
Freeman Gosden died from
congestive heart failure in
Los Angeles, California at the age of 83.
External links
★
Freeman Gosden at the
IMDB
★
Photos