Deaths on February 20

Walter Winchell, American journalist and actor (b. 1897)

Walter Winchell: The Architect of American Gossip and News Entertainment

Walter Winchell, born on April 7, 1897, and passing on February 20, 1972, was an undeniably influential figure in 20th-century American media. He rose from humble beginnings as a vaudeville performer to become a widely syndicated newspaper gossip columnist and a prominent radio news commentator, fundamentally reshaping how Americans consumed information and entertainment. His unique, often controversial, style captivated millions and left an indelible mark on journalism.

Early Career and the Birth of a Style

Winchell’s journey into the world of news began not on a serious reporting beat, but rather in the vibrant, bustling epicenter of New York’s theater scene. Initially a vaudeville performer, he transitioned to journalism as a Broadway reporter, critic, and columnist for the city's tabloids. This early exposure to the entertainment world would profoundly shape his distinctive approach. By the 1930s, Walter Winchell had achieved national celebrity, primarily through the powerful syndication network of the Hearst newspaper chain and his immensely popular radio program. He pioneered an innovative style characterized by gossipy, staccato news briefs, clever jokes, and the distinctive slang of the Jazz Age. This captivating blend, as biographer Neal Gabler observed, "turned journalism into a form of entertainment," a concept that still resonates in today's media landscape.

The Power of Information and Contacts

What truly set Winchell apart was his unparalleled network of contacts. He was a master at cultivating sources, initially within the glamorous yet often shady entertainment world and the underground of the Prohibition era. Over time, his reach expanded into law enforcement and the political sphere. Through these connections, Walter Winchell unearthed a mix of both genuine hard news and deeply embarrassing stories about famous public figures. He was renowned for his willingness to trade gossip, sometimes even leveraging his silence in exchange for valuable information. This shrewd, often ruthless, approach earned him a reputation that made him both feared and admired across various strata of society. So significant was his persona that his wisecracking gossip columnist image inspired novels and films, including the 1932 play and movie Blessed Event.

Controversy, Politics, and a Shifting Landscape

Winchell was never one to shy away from controversy, using his platform to express strong opinions on major political and social issues. As World War II loomed in the 1930s, he fiercely attacked those who advocated for the appeasement of Nazism. However, his political stances took a darker turn in the 1950s when he controversially aligned himself with Senator Joseph McCarthy in his zealous campaign against alleged communists. This period saw Winchell actively damage the reputations of numerous individuals, including the iconic entertainer Josephine Baker, among others who had earned his enmity. While initially powerful, his association with McCarthy eventually made him unfashionable, and his highly stylized, rapid-fire delivery proved ill-suited for the emerging medium of television news, which favored a more direct and less theatrical presentation.

Later Career and The Untouchables

Despite the challenges of adapting to television, Walter Winchell did find a notable role on the small screen. In 1959, he returned to television as the compelling narrator for the crime drama series The Untouchables, which was set in the 1920s. His distinctive voice and dramatic delivery lent an authentic, gritty atmosphere to the popular show. Beyond his narrative work, Winchell also appeared as an actor in more than two dozen films and television productions throughout his career, often playing himself, further cementing his iconic status as a media personality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walter Winchell

Who was Walter Winchell?

Walter Winchell (1897-1972) was a highly influential American syndicated newspaper gossip columnist and radio news commentator. He was known for his innovative, staccato style that blended news, jokes, and Jazz Age slang, effectively transforming journalism into a form of entertainment.

What was Walter Winchell famous for?

He was famous for his pioneering style of gossipy news reporting, his vast network of contacts across entertainment, the underworld, and politics, and his ability to uncover both hard news and scandalous stories. He also gained notoriety for his political commentary, particularly his support for Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s, and later as the narrator for the television series The Untouchables.

How did Walter Winchell influence journalism?

Winchell significantly influenced journalism by popularizing a more entertaining, personality-driven approach to news. He demonstrated the power of a single columnist to shape public opinion and expose private lives, essentially making celebrity gossip a mainstream staple. His style also paved the way for more informal and opinionated forms of media commentary.

What was Winchell's connection to Joseph McCarthy?

In the 1950s, Walter Winchell became a vocal supporter of Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist campaign. This alignment was controversial and, over time, contributed to his decline in popularity as public sentiment shifted against McCarthyism. He used his platform to attack individuals labeled as communists or sympathizers during this period.