Peculiar Facts About Ed Sullivan That People Were Astounded To Hear

When it comes to late night television hosts, Ed Sullivan is the granddaddy of them all. From the late 1940s to the early 1970s, he presided over the airwaves with his unique presence, charming, entertaining, and informing viewers with equal measure. His show was, undoubtedly, a cultural institution. But even the biggest shows have their issues behind the scenes; The Ed Sullivan Show was no exception. In fact, there's more than one surprising detail about the beloved host and his colleagues that weren't supposed to reach the public.

1. An unexpected calling

Ed Sullivan was a pioneer. In the early days of TV, he was a natural showman, capable of bringing countless bands, comedians, and performers right into the viewers' living room. However, he never expected to become a television host.

2. Shy around cameras

For starters, Sullivan wasn't always comfortable on camera. He came from a newspaper reporting background, meaning he struggled with one major issue at the start of his television career.

3. A bit awkward

He was always a bit awkward on camera; he squirmed in his seat and wasn't immune to flubbing his lines. Knowing that wouldn't bode well for ratings, he found a way to use those quirks to his advantage.

4. The Sullivan brand

See, it became clear that the flaws helped make him approachable and welcoming; rather than an intimidating host, he was just a friend sharing some music or comedy that he enjoyed. In fact, the show's original name reflected just that.