Johnny Stearns, Dead at 85 (Starred in Sitcom 1947-1951) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Sean Snow · 12-11-2001, 10:10 PM

This is from the Ask Morty site:

[December 10, 2001] Johnny Stearns, who starred in and wrote for TV's first domestic comedy, "Mary Kay and Johnny," died Wednesday (December 5th) in Newport Beach, Calif., of complications from a fall. He was 85.
I'm sure most of you have never heard of Johnny Stearns or "Mary Kay and Johnny," however these names are the answer to the most asked question on the "Ask Morty" web site: "Who was the first sit-com couple to share the same bed?" The answer: Mary Kay and Johnny, on the show of the same name.

"Mary Kay and Johnny" premiered on the DuMont Network in 1947, four years before "I Love Lucy." The 15-minute show, in which Stearns and his wife, Mary Kay, played versions of themselves, was an instant hit. The show expanded to a half-hour when it moved to NBC in 1948 and ran until 1950. Stearns went on to become a successful producer, working on a precursor to "The Tonight Show" at WNBC-TV in New York and "The Arthur Murray Dance Party" on NBC. Stearns continued to work in TV until last week when he recorded a voice over for the show "Agriculture USA," which he produced since 1961, and also hosted through the 90's.

Penny Lane · 12-12-2001, 10:11 AM

WOW! That's even before my time! ha ha

Chelsea · 12-12-2001, 07:16 PM

12-11-2001, 10:10 PM	#1
Sean Snow moo Forum Fanatic Join Date: May 06, 2001 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,408	Johnny Stearns, Dead at 85 (Starred in Sitcom 1947-1951) This is from the Ask Morty site: [December 10, 2001] Johnny Stearns, who starred in and wrote for TV's first domestic comedy, "Mary Kay and Johnny," died Wednesday (December 5th) in Newport Beach, Calif., of complications from a fall. He was 85. I'm sure most of you have never heard of Johnny Stearns or "Mary Kay and Johnny," however these names are the answer to the most asked question on the "Ask Morty" web site: "Who was the first sit-com couple to share the same bed?" The answer: Mary Kay and Johnny, on the show of the same name. "Mary Kay and Johnny" premiered on the DuMont Network in 1947, four years before "I Love Lucy." The 15-minute show, in which Stearns and his wife, Mary Kay, played versions of themselves, was an instant hit. The show expanded to a half-hour when it moved to NBC in 1948 and ran until 1950. Stearns went on to become a successful producer, working on a precursor to "The Tonight Show" at WNBC-TV in New York and "The Arthur Murray Dance Party" on NBC. Stearns continued to work in TV until last week when he recorded a voice over for the show "Agriculture USA," which he produced since 1961, and also hosted through the 90's.

12-12-2001, 10:11 AM	#2
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,313	WOW! That's even before my time! ha ha
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12-12-2001, 07:16 PM	#3
Chelsea Semi-retired Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 07, 2001 Location: Washington Posts: 5,727
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