Tom Kennedy, the legendary tv host best known for being the face of Name That Tune, has passed away.
The iconic game show host’s death was announced by his friend, Steve Beverly, who took to social media to confirm that the 93-year-old has passed away.
“Tom had not been well in recent months but remained in communication with his family and close friends,” Beverly wrote in a Facebook post.
“Later, after I have time to clearly process this, I will offer my own remembrances of a relationship that evolved from his being my childhood icon to a genuine friendship I will always cherish.”
According to the reports, Kennedy died in Oxnard, California, on Wednesday, October 7.
Born as Jim Narz, the Kentucky-native pursued his passion for a career in broadcasting after attending the University of Kentucky and the University of Missouri.
Inspired by his tv host brother, Jack, Kennedy moved to Los Angeles and worked on the radio for a decade before shifting his focus on the game show industry.
In the meantime, he also tied the knot with Betty Gevedon whom he stayed married to from 1952 to 2011 when she passed away.
Following his career breakthrough, Kennedy hosted a series of popular tv shows including You Don’t Say! From 1963 to 1969, Split Second from 1972 to 1975, Password Plus from 1980 to 1982, and Name That Tune from 1974 to 1981.
Throughout the decades, the game show host also appeared in The Big Game, It’s Your Bet, Break the Bank, 50 Grand Slam, To Say the Least, Whew!, Body Language, The Price Is Right, and Wordplay.
Kennedy is survived by his children Courtney Ellen Narz, James Narz Jr., and Linda Ann Narz. May he rest in peace.
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