Jack Carter, Host of the First Televised Tony Awards, Dies at 93

Jack Carter, the comedian, actor, and host of the first televised Tony Awards, has died at the age of 93 of respiratory failure.

Born Jack Chakrin in Brooklyn, New York on June 24, 1922, Carter's parents were Jewish immigrants from Russia. While in his teens, he honed his comedic craft as a mimic appearing on the Major Bowes' Amateur Hour radio show. He also attended the Academy of Dramatic Art aspiring to be a dramatic actor.

After serving in World War II, he starred on Broadway in Call Me Mister and later appeared on Milton Berle's Texaco Star Theatre. For two years following, he hosted the variety show Cavalcade of Stars, as well as the three-year run of of his own program, The Jack Carter Show.

On Broadway, Carter appeared in Mr. Wonderful and Top Banana, and appeared in various productions outside of Broadway including Guys and Dolls, Born Yesterday, The Odd Couple, Little Me, and Oliver!, among others.

He received a pair of Emmy nominations for the NBC series Dr. Kildare, and an Emmy nomination for the television movie The Girl Who Couldn't Lose. He appeared on several television shows including 3rd Rock From the Sun, Baywatch, King of the Hill, Desperate Housewives, Parks & Recreation, New Girl, and Shameless. His films include History of the World, Part I, Hustle, and Viva Las Vegas.

Carter's survivors include his wife, Roxanne, their children, Michael, Chase, and Wendy, and grandchildren, Jake and Ava.