McCoy remembered in isles for fine broadcasting voice

During the 1950s and 1960s, variety shows were popular on the mainland as well as here in the islands. Television and radio personality Jack McCoy had shows on local stations throughout the 1960s. This month we look back at McCoy’s career and his television shows.

McCoy was born in 1918 in Akron, Ohio. His broadcasting career began in his hometown as a student announcer at Kent State University. He worked at another radio station in Akron and got the attention of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., which was based in his hometown. That lucky break led to McCoy being the announcer for the Firestone exhibit in New York City at the 1939 World’s Fair.

McCoy served in the Marines during World War II. After the war, he landed radio hosting duties in New York City and Los Angeles, including “Kay Kyser’s Kollege of Musical Knowledge,” “Art Linkletter’s House Party,” “The Life of Riley,” “Escape,” “Adventures of Maisie,” “Breakfast in Hollywood” and “The Hardy Family” with Mickey Rooney. He also hosted shows for Steve Allen, Guy Mitchell and Dinah Shore.

In 1947, Jack and Alex McCoy were married. They had three children together, including Jack McCoy Jr., a longtime surfing filmmaker based in Australia.

From 1950 to 1951 on NBC radio, McCoy hosted “Live Like a Millionaire,” a talent contest showcasing parents who were introduced to the audience by their children. The parents sang, played musical instruments, did stand-up comedy routines and danced in front of a studio audience. The winning parents did not actually receive a million dollars, and instead were given new cars, hotel stays, nights out in New York City with a limo, fancy dinner and tickets to a Broadway show.

McCoy moved his family to Honolulu in the late 1950s and soon had his first local television series bearing his name, “The Jack McCoy Show,” on KHVH (now KITV). In 1962, he moved his show to KONA (now KHON). His shows were pioneering in local audience participation whether it be from a television studio or on location. Viewers were often called at home.

On Aug. 3, 1963, McCoy’s show debuted on KGMB and the show was telecast live from Ala Moana Center. On his show, there were musical guests, authors, actors and performers with unique talents. A regular performer on the show was Linda Ryan, who said working with McCoy was a joy. “He had a lovely speaking voice with an undercurrent of laughter,” said Ryan, who has fond memories of McCoy. “He was gentleman, a good man, hardworking, charming, upbeat, unpretentious, religious and devoted to his family.”

One show stands out, Ryan said. “President Kennedy was assassinated in Texas,” she said. “Jack and I were at the Ala Moana stage doing pre-production. What numbing news. People were in shock everywhere throughout the mall. Many were crying.”

In 1965, “The Jack McCoy Show” landed on KTRG (now KHNL), Channel 13. His co-host was his wife, Alex. Guests included Miss Hawaii and Miss Universe contestants and there were games and contests to attract viewers with hundreds of dollars worth of prizes weekly. The hourlong show also featured guest stars Della Reese, Tommy Sands, Sterling Mossman, Danny Kaleikini and Don Ho. While McCoy was hosting his weekly television series, he also was a deejay during the daily afternoon drive-time shift for KTRG radio.

KTRG started emphasizing Japanese programming in 1967, and the show ended. Over the years McCoy’s voice was also heard on local radio for KGU, KULA and KORL. He also appeared on three episodes of the original “Hawaii Five-0.”

McCoy handled public relations for the Jehovah’s Witnesses church during the 1970s and served as an elder in their congregations in Kailua, Hawaii Kai and central Honolulu. McCoy in his later years hosted motivational seminars in the advertising field.

In 1988, McCoy and his wife moved to Victorville, Calif., to be closer to their children.

On March 18, 1991, McCoy died in Victorville at the age of 72.

Upon hearing of McCoy’s death, veteran island broadcaster Ed Sheehan said, “I was just struck by what a great voice he had and what a great voice he had on radio. I remember how very good he was on the air. He was a very, very good announcer.”

A.J. McWhorter, a collector of film and videotape cataloging Hawaii’s TV history, has worked as a producer, writer and researcher for both local and national media. Email him at flashback@hawaii.rr.com.