The Passing of Milton Berle

A Minor Consideration notes the passing of one of our own, "Mr. Television," Milton Berle, who succumbed to colon cancer at 93 on Wednesday, March 27th.

Mr. Berle (born Mendel Berlinger in 1908) was not only a pioneer/trailblazer in television's "Golden Age," he was also a former child actor, having been personally summoned by silent screen legend Charlie Chaplin to work in one of his pictures, after seeing "little Milton" in shoe advertisements as a "Buster Brown" boy. Long before the fictional Dick Grayson would team up with Bruce "Batman" Wayne and become "Robin," it was Milton Berle who was first proclaimed, "The Boy Wonder". Before turning 18, this rising young actor had appeared in well over four movies, including, "The Perils of Pauline" (1914), "Birthright" (1920), "The Mark of Zorro" (1920), and "Ruth of the Range" (1923). Years later, he would credit his showbiz career to, "the Queen of all stage mothers," his mom, Sandra Berlinger.

Milton Berle, it has been said, "was in the delivery room, when television was born." At one point, "The Texaco Star Theater" was on opposite a program hosted by New York Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. This prompted Milton to crack, "We both have the same boss: 'Sky Chief'." (He had previously referred to the popular bishop with the loving moniker, "Uncle Fultie".)

Milton Berle was a prototype for many comedians who would follow, with his every-Tuesday-night TV show (which would cause department stores and movie theaters across the nation to respectfully close their doors), his outrageous comedic skits (like putting on a dress and becoming, "Milton Girl"), his alleged penchant for "stealing" jokes, and his love of Cuban cigars (supplied in the pre-Castro days by friends Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz). He literally did it all.

He was an actor, writer, composer (of around 400 published songs) and dancer. He tackled the new small medium (television) when others shunned it, choosing to remain with their movie and stage careers. He conquered TV and emerged both a legend and an icon, frequently surprising himself with the realization of his own popularity with the public and his influence on those who comprised his peer group. His impact on the burgeoning industry of television was indeed profound (and lasting) and all of us associated with it (regardless of in what capacity), shall be forever grateful, and in his debt. He made it possible for the rest of us to do what we do.

In 1977, while employed with General Electric Broadcasting Company of Colorado, this writer was privileged to meet him at a Denver TV station. Naturally, I groveled. Our conversation was brief, but memorable.

I said, "I'm so HONORED to meet you, Mr. Berle!" (Spoken while trembling and shaking his hand.)

He calmly replied, "Well, you SHOULD be!" That was Milton; never at a loss for a great line.

While we'll miss Milton Berle very much, we take some comfort knowing that his performances will continue to be enjoyed by generations yet to come, and that his 80 years of contributions to the entertainment world shall never be forgotten. Our condolences and prayers are with his children and his widow, Lorna, during this difficult time.