George Jessel (actor)

George Jessel emerged from the rough-and-tumble world of New York vaudeville, a boy soprano who learned to survive with a joke and a song. His true genius wasn't in film stardom, though he originated the role of Jakie Rabinowitz in the stage version of "The Jazz Singer." Instead, Jessel became the country's preeminent toastmaster, a fixture at fundraisers, political dinners, and Hollywood galas. With a telephone prop in hand—a bit where he'd pretend to call his mother—he perfected a blend of sentimentality and needle-sharp humor. He authored books, produced movies, and maintained a relentless performing schedule, becoming so ubiquitous as a host that he was informally dubbed the "Toastmaster General." Jessel’s career was a testament to the power of personality, proving that the man introducing the stars could often outshine them.