O'Brien, Dave, 1912-1969

Dave "Tex" O'Brien started his career as dancer in early 1930s musical motion pictures; he may best be remembered for his roles in the Texas Rangers films (1942-1945), his involvement with the Pete Smith shorts at MGM, and his role in Captain Midnight O'Brien became head writer on the Red Skelton television show, winning an Emmy in 1961; he died in CA, ca. 1969.

The Red Skelton Show, one of the longest running variety programs on television (1951-1971), was one of the first shows to make the successful transition from radio to television. The program format consisted of an opening monologue by Skelton, followed by a music segment from David Rose and his orchestra, and a series of sketches featuring one or more of Skelton's characters. Skelton's regular characters included Clem Kadiddlehopper, Junior the Mean Widdle Kid, Sheriff Deadeye, and Freddie the Freeloader. Although many stars got their start on the show, the series did not rely on guest stars every week. Skelton's signature closing line became "Good night and may God bless".

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