Legendary television game show host Tom Kennedy has died aged 93.
Tom, real name James Edward Narz, was most famous for hosting Name That Tune.
Friend Steve Beverly said he died on October 7 – his cause of death is currently unknown.
His first break in the showbiz industry came when he landed the presenting role for The Big game in 1958 before signing up for Dr IQ in the 1958 – 1959 season.
During his career, he also fronted Break The Bank and Grand Slam, as well as To Say The Least for one year.
Shortly after the death of Allen Ludden, he was named the host of Password Plus between 1980 and 1982.
Famous host Tom Kennedy has died aged 93
Tom’s longest presenting gig was the revival of the famous show, Name That Tune, which tested contestants knowledge of music, with the show airing between 1974 and 1981.
Expanding his already impressive CV, he went on to front The Real Tom Kennedy Show and also appeared as a panellist on To Tell The Truth.
As well as being one of the best-loved presenters of his time, he also ventured into acting – starring in the likes of The Ghost and Hardcastle.
His cause of death has not yet been announced
Tom retired from the showbiz circuit in 1989, shortly after multiple game shows failed to bring in big viewer numbers.
Born in Louisville on February 26, 1927, Tom made his move to Hollywood just 20 years later after attending the University of Missouri.
Tom’s wife, Betty Gebedon died aged 59 in 2001.
He is survived by three children, a daughter-in-law, his granddaughter and his sister.
Fans have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the late star, with one tweeting: “There wasn’t a game show that Tom Kennedy didn’t host, RIP Tom Kennedy.”
While a second echoed: “So sad! Back in my high school days when I’d skip class and hang out at a friends house parental free, we would do nothing but watch game shows and Tom Kennedy was THE best! A part of my misspent youth is gone. RIP sir!”
“RIP long time game show host Tom Kennedy, 93, a familiar face to most in the ’70s on Name That Tune and Split Second,” added a third.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
