Ed Prentiss

Paul Edward Prentiss (September 9, 1908 – March 19, 1992) was an American actor in the era of old-time radio. He was perhaps best known for portraying the title role on the radio version of Captain Midnight.

Early years Prentiss was born in Chicago, Illinois.

Radio Radio historian Jim Harmon noted, in his book The Great Radio Heroes, "Ed Prentiss was not the first actor to play Captain Midnight, contrary to some published reports." After Bill Bouchey had the role in the program's second season, Prentiss auditioned for the third season, got the part, and continued as Captain Midnight for seven years. Beginning in 1943, Prentiss was narrator for an hour-long block consisting of three soap operas: Today's Children, The Guiding Light and Woman in White. The three programs had interconnecting story lines, with Prentiss's narration "introducing each program segment and linking all three together."

Prentiss's other roles on radio programs included those shown in the table below. Program Role Armstrong of the SBI Announcer The First Nighter Program Host Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy Announcer Johnny Lujack of Notre Dame Lujack's sidekick Silver Eagle Narrator Sweet River Minister A Tale of Today Michael Denby

Prentiss had his own syndicated program, This Is The Story. An ad for the 15-minute program described it as follows: "Ed Prentiss, America's greatest story teller ... offers true and unusual tales, each with a surprisingly different ending."

He also was a regular on Arnold Grimm's Daughter, Painted Dreams, Bud Barton, The Romance of Helen Trent, Springtime and Harvest and Holland Housewarming.

Film Prentiss appeared in Westbound (1959) and The FBI Story (1959).

Television Prentiss played Dr. Snyder on As the World Turns. He was one of the hosts of Action Autographs, was the host for Majority Rules.. He played Edward Elliott on Morning Star and Mr. Bailey on Leave It to Beaver. He also was the announcer for That's O'Toole. He also played roles in various TV Westerns of the late 1950s-early '60s, often as a sheriff. He is easily recognized by his voice, as well as his physical appearance. In 1957 Prentiss appeared on the TV western Cheyenne in the episode titled "Top Hand," appearing as the character Bob Gentry.

Prentiss appeared on Perry Mason, "The Case of the Badgered Brother" (season 7, episode 12) as the recorded voice reading a will in Mason's office.

Personal life Prentiss married Ivah Davidson on November 21, 1941. They had a son, born September 14, 1943.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes1957 Cheyenne Ben Gentry Episode: Top Hand 1958 Violent Road Mr. Nelson 1958 Home Before Dark Dr. Collins Uncredited 1959 Westbound James Fuller - U.S. Post Office Uncredited 1959 The FBI Story U.S. Marshal 1959 Beloved Infidel Attendee at Preview Uncredited 1960 Wanted Dead or Alive (TV series) Sheriff Truxton Episode: Mental Lapse 1960 Man on a String Adrian Benson 1960 The Crowded Sky Joseph Bruce aka J.B. Uncredited 1960 Sunrise at Campobello Barker Uncredited 1961 A Fever in the Blood Convention Chairman Uncredited 1961 Ada Clergyman at Legislative Meeting Uncredited 1961 The Children's Hour Head of Hospital Uncredited 1961 Lover Come Back Zachary, Ad Council Member Uncredited 1961 The Outsider Speaker Uncredited 1962 Leave it to Beaver Mr. Bailey Episode: Beaver’s Typewriter 1963 A Gathering of Eagles Duty Controller1963 Wall of Noise Paddock Steward 1963 Leave it to Beaver Mr. Bailey Episode: The Clothing Drive 1964 One Man's Way Mr. Boardman 1964 Kisses for My President Max Kloch Uncredited 1964 Quick, Before It Melts Dentist in Antarctica Uncredited 1967 Eight on the Lam Minister Uncredited 1968 Project X Hicks 1968 The Virginian (TV series) Carl Jensen saison 7 episode 6 (Image of an outlaw) 1969 The Virginian (TV series) Dave Owens saison 7 épisode 16 (Last grave at socorro creek) 1971 The Barefoot Executive Harry - Justice Dept. Man 1971 The Marriage of a Young Stockbroker Mr. Franklin