Introduction
Ben Gage, a name that resonates with many, was an American radio singer and announcer, occasional off-screen film singer dubbing the voice of non-singing actors, and television actor active from 1937 to 1975. Born in Chicago, Illinois, his first wife was Esther Williams. His career spanned several decades, and he left a significant mark on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
Born as Benjamin Austin Gage on October 23, 1914, in Chicago, Illinois, Ben Gage’s career in the entertainment industry began in 1937 when he joined NBC’s Hollywood announcing staff. He was the singing announcer of the five-day-a-week half-hour program, Blue Network Varieties, launched on the NBC Pacific Blue network on May 20, 1940. That same year, he and Mary Jane Barnes were “featured singers” on Remember This Song?, a weekly program also on NBC Pacific Blue. In September 1941, he joined the Bob Hope Show, replacing Bill Goodwin as announcer. During World War II, Gage was a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force. He worked with the USAAF’s band on Soldiers With Wings on CBS radio.
Personal Life
Gage married swimmer/actress Esther Williams on November 25, 1945. They divorced on April 8, 1958, and they had three children: Benjamin, Kimball (1950-2008), and Susan. Gage later married Anne Martin Arnold in Beverly Hills, CA, on April 6, 1969, and they remained together until Ben’s death. The couple did not have any children.
Ben Gage’s Cause of Death
The cause of Ben Gage’s death was heart failure. He passed away on April 28, 1978, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 63. His death marked the end of an era in the entertainment industry, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire many.
Conclusion
Ben Gage’s life was filled with remarkable achievements and contributions to the entertainment industry. His cause of death, heart failure, took away a gem of an artist from the world. His memory, however, lives on through his work and the many lives he touched during his lifetime.
All information in this article is sourced from various sites.
