Bert Convy
Actor
About Bert Convy
Bernard Whalen Convy, known professionally as Bert Convy, began his career as a professional baseball player with the Philadelphia Phillies organization before transitioning to entertainment. His acting career started in the late 1950s with his film debut in Roger Corman's 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959), where he played a beatnik artist. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Convy appeared in numerous television series including 'The Andy Griffith Show,' 'Hawaii Five-O,' and 'Murder, She Wrote.' However, he achieved his greatest fame as a game show host, becoming one of television's most recognizable personalities through his work on 'Tattletales,' 'Password Plus,' and 'Super Password.' Convy also hosted 'Win, Lose or Draw' and made appearances as a panelist on various game shows. His charismatic personality and quick wit made him a favorite among television audiences. Beyond hosting, Convy continued acting in films and television throughout his career, even producing some game shows. He passed away in 1991 from a brain tumor, leaving behind a legacy as one of television's most beloved game show hosts.
The Craft
On Screen
Convy was known for his natural, affable screen presence and comedic timing. His acting style was characterized by a friendly, approachable demeanor that translated well from dramatic roles to his later work in comedy and game shows. He had a particular talent for improvisation and quick-witted responses, which served him well in live television formats.
Milestones
- Film debut in 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959)
- Hosted 'Tattletales' (1974-1978)
- Hosted 'Password Plus' (1979-1982)
- Hosted 'Super Password' (1984-1989)
- Won Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host (1977)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host (1977)
Nominated
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host (1976)
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host (1978)
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host (1979)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (Television)
- Game Show Network's list of greatest game show hosts
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Bert Convy became an iconic figure in American television culture during the 1970s and 1980s, helping to define the golden age of television game shows. His approachable personality and charm made him a household name, and his shows became part of daily American life for millions of viewers. Convy's success helped pave the way for future game show hosts and demonstrated the potential for long-term careers in television hosting. He represented a transition from the early, more formal television personalities to the relaxed, charismatic hosts that would become standard in later decades.
Lasting Legacy
Bert Convy's legacy lives on through his contributions to television entertainment, particularly in the game show genre. He is remembered as one of the most beloved and successful game show hosts of his era, with his shows remaining popular in syndication and on game show networks. His ability to connect with audiences and create entertaining, family-friendly programming set a standard for future hosts. Convy's career also demonstrated the versatility required in television, successfully transitioning from acting to hosting and producing.
Who They Inspired
Convy influenced a generation of television hosts with his natural style and audience rapport. His success on 'Password Plus' and 'Super Password' helped revitalize the classic Password format for new audiences. Many contemporary game show hosts cite Convy's relaxed, friendly approach as an inspiration for their own hosting styles. His ability to balance authority with approachability became a model for successful television hosting.
Off Screen
Bert Convy was married to Anne Anderson from 1959 until his death in 1991. The couple had three children together: Jennifer, Joshua, and Jonah. Before entering entertainment, Convy was a professional baseball player and attended UCLA where he played baseball. He was known for his charitable work and involvement in various philanthropic causes. Convy was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1990 and passed away the following year at age 57.
Education
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - attended on baseball scholarship
Family
- Anne Anderson (1959-1991)
Did You Know?
- Was a professional baseball player in the Philadelphia Phillies organization
- Attended UCLA on a baseball scholarship
- His film debut was in the cult classic 'A Bucket of Blood'
- Won a Daytime Emmy for hosting 'Tattletales'
- Was a talented singer and recorded several albums
- Appeared as a celebrity contestant on game shows before becoming a host
- His final television appearance was on 'Super Password' just weeks before his death
- Was good friends with fellow game show host Gene Rayburn
- Hosted the Miss USA pageant in 1985
- Was considered for the role of Superman in the 1970s before Christopher Reeve was cast
In Their Own Words
The secret to being a good game show host is making the contestants feel like stars
I never thought I'd make a career out of asking questions and giving away prizes
Baseball taught me timing, and that's everything in television
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bert Convy?
Bert Convy was an American television personality, actor, and game show host who became famous in the 1970s and 1980s for hosting popular shows like 'Tattletales,' 'Password Plus,' and 'Super Password.' He began his career as a professional baseball player before transitioning to entertainment, making his film debut in 1959's 'A Bucket of Blood.'
What films is Bert Convy best known for?
While primarily known for his television work, Bert Convy's most notable film appearance was in Roger Corman's cult classic 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959). He also appeared in films like 'Semi-Tough' (1977) and 'The Cannonball Run' (1981), though his greatest fame came from his television game show hosting career.
When was Bert Convy born and when did he die?
Bert Convy was born on July 23, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, and passed away on July 15, 1991, in Los Angeles, California, at age 57 from a brain tumor.
What awards did Bert Convy win?
Bert Convy won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host in 1977 for his work on 'Tattletales.' He received several other Emmy nominations for his hosting work throughout his career and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to television.
What was Bert Convy's hosting style?
Bert Convy was known for his warm, friendly, and approachable hosting style that made contestants and viewers feel comfortable. His natural charisma, quick wit, and ability to think on his feet made him particularly effective in live television formats, and he had a talent for creating entertaining, family-friendly programming.
Did Bert Convy have a sports background?
Yes, before entering entertainment, Bert Convy was a professional baseball player who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He attended UCLA on a baseball scholarship and played minor league baseball before deciding to pursue a career in acting and television.
What was Bert Convy's most successful show?
While Convy hosted several successful game shows, 'Tattletales' (1974-1978) was particularly successful, earning him a Daytime Emmy Award. However, his longest-running and perhaps most recognized work was on 'Password Plus' and 'Super Password,' where he hosted for nearly a decade combined.
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Films
1 film
