Leslie Sullivan

Leslie Sullivan (11 April 1916 – 1978), born Leslie Smulian, was an English-born Rhodesian radio host who worked for the Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation. He hosted the Radio Rhodesia morning show for much of his career. In the 1960s and 70s, he was the most popular radio personality in Rhodesia.

Born in England, Sullivan emigrated to South Africa with his parents as a young man, and served in the South African Army in World War II. He relocated to Portuguese Mozambique in 1952, where he first worked in radio broadcasting. In 1959, he took a job working for the Federal Broadcasting Corporation, and relocated to Southern Rhodesia, hosting the Radio Rhodesia morning show. Sullivan died in 1978 in Rhodesia.

Early life Leslie Smulian (later changed to Sullivan) was born on 11 April 1916 in England, United Kingdom. As a young man, he trained in London with Samuel Messener as an estate agent. The FBC was based in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia (then part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland). At about five minutes before 6:00, he would present his "thought for the day," usually an inspiration message. He would also commonly tell jokes, many of which had a radio quality (for example: "What do you call an African terrorist financed by Rowntrees Trust? ... A chocolate soldier.")

Sullivan was, for most of the Rhodesia's history, the most popular radio personality in the country. The Prime Minister Roy Welensky said that after himself, Sullivan was the most popular person in Rhodesia. With his catchphrase "Your little ray of sunshine," he was the best known media broadcaster. He remained with the Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation until his retirement from radio in 1976, and was succeeded by Leslie McKenzie. He died in 1978.