Cecil B. DeMille
Co-founder of Hollywood and most famous host of Lux Radio Theatre (1936-1945), who resigned over a one-dollar union fee.
Born
1881
Ashfield, Massachusetts, USA
Died
1959
Radio Credits
2 shows
Biography
Cecil Blount DeMille was born August 12, 1881. He co-founded Paramount Pictures. He hosted and directed Lux Radio Theatre from June 1, 1936 to January 22, 1945. Under DeMille the show drew 40 million weekly listeners and he earned 100000 dollars annually. He resigned in January 1945 rather than pay a one-dollar union political assessment from AFRA, arguing no organization could compel members to support political causes. This ended his radio career permanently. He died January 21, 1959.
Radio Credits — In Our Archive
Did You Know?
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He resigned from Lux Radio Theatre rather than pay a mandatory one-dollar political assessment to AFRA
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Under DeMille, Lux Radio Theatre drew 40 million weekly listeners -- the most popular radio drama in America
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He earned 100000 dollars a year as Lux host -- an extraordinary sum in the 1930s
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His resignation over a one dollar fee permanently ended his broadcasting career
Known For
The Ten Commandments 1956
Samson and Delilah 1949
The King of Kings 1927
Lux Radio Theatre host 1936-1945