The Life of Riley started as a radio program starring William Bendix on the Blue Network (ABC) from January 16, 1944 to June 8, 1945 later moving to NBC from September 8, 1945 to June 29, 1951.
The character 'Chester Riley' was ranked #30 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" (20 June 2004 issue).
Lon Chaney, Jr played Riley on the Pilot
Peg Riley always referred to her husband by his last name; no one ever called him "Chester".