Sullivan, Ed

Sullivan, (Edward Vincent) Ed

(1902–74) journalist, television host; born in New York City. Originally a sportswriter, he began his syndicated Broadway gossip column at the New York Daily News in 1934. He hosted the CBS variety series, The Ed Sullivan Show (1948–71). Much parodied for his stiff manner and his opening line, "We've got a reeeally big shew tonight," he was the first to give national exposure to many entertainers, in particular Elvis Presley and the Beatles.