Webb, Jack, 1920-1982

Biography

Webb was born in Santa Monica, CA, Apr. 2, 1920; joined the Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet (1943) and served as master of ceremonies for two USO variety shows; began his career for ABC's station KGO where he did an early morning show, "The Coffee Club," and went on to play the lead in "Pat Novak For Hire"; he was heard in a variety of radio programs and was involved in motion pictures such as "The Men," "Pete Kelley's Blues," "And He Walks By Night"; during the filming of "He Walks By Night," Webb got the idea for "Dragnet"; "Dragnet" made its debut on radio as a summer replacement on June 3, 1949; Webb, who directed, also played the role of Sergeant Joe Friday; within two years it was one of radio's most popular shows; the television version debuted Jan. 3, 1952 and ran from 1952-59 and 1967-70; he produced other television dramas including "Adam-12" and "Emergency"; he died in Los Angeles, CA, Dec. 23, 1982.

Webb was born in Santa Monica, CA, Apr. 2, 1920; began his career at ABC's station KGO; played the lead in Pat Novak for hire and was heard on a variety of radio programs; was involved in motion pictures such as The men, Pete Kelley's blues, and He walks by night (where he got the idea for Dragnet); Dragnet made its radio debut (June 3, 1949) and Webb directed and played the role of Sergeant Joe Friday; television version debuted Jan. 3, 1952 and ran from 1952-59 and 1967-70; he produced other television dramas including Adam-12 and Emergency; he died in Los Angeles, CA, Dec. 23, 1982.