ट्रिविया

Delivered standard four-line topical poems as part of his routine. An example: "The opposite of pro is con; That fact is clearly seen; If progress means move forward, Then what does Congress mean?"

Met a young, unfamiliar actress/singer named Della Reese at one of the nightclubs in New York City; the two became best friends until his death in 2005.

Obtained the rank of captain in the army during World World II, when African-American officers were very rare and segregation was official policy.

Had a singing/dancing background. He danced with the Ragamuffins of Rhythm.

Served in Europe as a captain in the United States Army in World War II.

An early job as a carhop kick-started his career. To generate tips he would joke around to make his customers laugh. It helped him hone his nightclub act at such establishments as the Club Baby Grand and Apollo Theater. Received his first big break in the late 1950s on Toast of the Town (1948).

Became one of the first African-Americans to be a regular on game shows (e.g., "To Tell the Truth") and was also one of the first black game show hosts with NBC's "Your Number's Up.".

Frequently recited a humorous poem during his game show and talk show appearances.

Got his start in show business in the late 1950s on Toast of the Town (1948).

Although he claimed to be a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, he actually attended for only one semester in 1936 and did not receive a degree.

Had a childhood nickname of Stinky Bill.

To his surprise, on a 2003 episode of Hollywood Squares, it was revealed that the character Little Nipper in the cartoon strip Wee Pals had been named for him.

Biography in "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 483-485. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007.

Was friends with Jo Anne Worley, and Monty Hall.

Recorded several "party" albums.

Died 11 days shy of his 87th birthday.

He was directly cremated at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel. His ashes were sprinkled into the Atlantic Ocean afterwards.

Had an older brother, Albert Russell, Jr., who died in 1936 after being shot in the chest.