Danny Thomas was born Amos Alphonsus Muzyad Yakhoob on January 6, 1912, in Deerfield, MI. He was the son of Lebanese immigrants. Taking the stage name of Danny Thomas, he became one of the most beloved actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood. An actor, comedian, singer and television producer, Danny Thomas got his start doing a nightclub comedy act. Soon after, Danny Thomas went on to radio, performing on The Happy Hour Club, on WMBC Detroit in 1932, then The Bickersons, with Don Ameche in 1946. Thomas had his on show on the radio call The Danny Thomas Show in 1942.
Danny Thomas’ film career began in 1952, when he starred in the re-make of The Jazz Singer. He also had one of the longest running TV shows ever, The Danny Thomas Show (also known as Make Room For Daddy) which ran from 1953 to 1964. During this time, Danny Thomas started producing TV Show, with such hits as The Dick Van Dyke Shoe, The Andy Griffith Show, and The Mob Squad. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, for his work in TV, and in 1990, was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.
Danny Thomas is also the founder of the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in Memphis, TN. He made a promise to St. Jude that he would build a monument if the saint would help him in his career. He kept that promise in 1962.
Danny Thomas died in Los Angeles, CA on February 6, 1991.
