John Hamilton Davidson (born December 13, 1941) is an American actor, singer, and game show host. He is best known for hosting popular TV shows during the 1980s, including That’s Incredible!, Time Machine, and Hollywood Squares.
In 1991, he hosted a revival of the classic game show The $100,000 Pyramid. Davidson’s career spans multiple entertainment fields, making him a familiar face in American television history.
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John Davidson Net Worth
John Davidson has a net worth of $2 million. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Davidson is an actor, singer, talk-show host, and nightclub performer. He is considered an icon of American television’s early years.
Currently, he lives on his boat near La Paz, which requires three flights to reach the airport and a 20-minute drive to the marina where he resides.
Early life
John Davidson was born to Dr. James Allie Davidson (1908–1984) and Elizabeth Emma Beck (1908–1996), both Baptist ministers, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He lived in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and graduated from White Plains High School in White Plains, New York before attending Denison University.
Davidson considered becoming a minister but chose to pursue singing instead, saying he “would rather sing about love than preach it.” He worked in situation comedies, game shows, variety shows, and talk shows.
Career
John Davidson made his film debut in 1967 with The Happiest Millionaire, starring alongside Lesley Ann Warren and Fred MacMurray.
He appeared again with Warren in The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968). Davidson guest-starred as a singer on The Carol Burnett Show in 1967 and 1969, and was the Mystery Guest on What’s My Line? in 1969. His career was managed by Alan Bernard, former manager of Andy Williams and partner in BNB, a leading 1970s management firm.
Personal life
John Davidson’s first marriage was to Jackie Miller. He has two children: John Davidson, Jr., who appeared with him on later versions of Hollywood Squares, and Jennifer (Davidson) Kane. Since 1983, Davidson has been married to former backup singer Rhonda Rivera; they have a daughter, Ashleigh Davidson.
The family lives mainly in Tamworth, New Hampshire. Though the son of two Baptist ministers, Davidson now identifies as an atheist and describes himself as “openly secular” in a video for the Openly Secular Coalition, supported by the Richard Dawkins Foundation and the Secular Coalition for America.
Who is the talk show host in Edward Scissorhands?
John Davidson made a memorable appearance as a talk show host in the iconic film “Edward Scissorhands,” showcasing his versatility and adding to his rich tapestry of roles across different media.
Conclusion
John Davidson’s career is a testament to the enduring appeal of talent, charisma, and adaptability. From his early days as a recording artist to his time as a beloved game-show host and actor, Davidson has left an indelible mark on American entertainment. His story is one of success, resilience, and the ability to connect with audiences across generations.
5 FAQs about John Davidson
- What shows did John Davidson host?
- John Davidson hosted “That’s Incredible!,” “Time Machine,” “Hollywood Squares,” and a revival of “The $100,000 Pyramid.”
- Did John Davidson have a successful music career?
- Yes, Davidson was a successful recording artist in the ’60s and ’70s, with several of his albums reaching the Billboard 200 charts.
- How many times has John Davidson been married?
- John Davidson has been married twice.
- What role did John Davidson play in “Edward Scissorhands”?
- He played a talk show host in a cameo appearance.
- What is the significance of John Davidson’s appearance in “Edward Scissorhands”?
- His role in “Edward Scissorhands” showcased his ability to transcend traditional entertainment roles, contributing to a film with deep themes of acceptance and individuality.
