January 28, 1953 –
J. Fred Muggs joined NBC’s Today Show on this date.
Muggs was an instant sensation with children, and later their parents. As Dave Garroway’s “right-hand monkey,” he performed comedy routines, had a wardrobe of 450 outfits, and played the piano. Within weeks, the floundering show had a significant boost in its audience and a surge in advertising revenue, earning NBC an estimated $100 million in the process.
Please note: any resemblance between Mr. Muggs and any of my nephews is purely coincidental.
The Haus of Dcaligari 