There was a good reason they called this guy “Mr. Television.” One of the first megastars to emerge on the new medium of television, it is said that comedian/host Milton Berle provided the biggest sole reason for the families of America to invest in television sets in the 40s. Thanks to his hit series, Texaco Star Theater, which ran on CBS, there wasn’t a household in the nation that wanted to miss his comedy antics. If you didn’t own a television to watch the series on, you found someone who did. It was that simple.

Berle got his start on the vaudeville stages and, starting in the 30s, tried his best to break into the popular medium of radio. The reception was lukewarm, however, as Milton’s act was something that was far funnier to witness, rather then simply listen to. Still, he managed to land a job on the radio program, The Texas Star Theater. And when the show moved into the realm of television, Milton came along, recognizing that this was his true calling.

At first, producers weren’t convinced that Berle would be the best person for the position, so they tried an assortment of revolving frontmen. It soon became clear to everyone involved, however, the he was the only guy for the job and in 1948, he was given sole hosting duties. From that point on, Milton Berle was “Mr. Television.” He introduced a steady stream of ventriloquists, singers, dancers, and big name Hollywood stars over the years, but everyone tuned in precisely to see what he was going to do. The fun started as soon as the quartet of the Texaco Men sang the theme song. Milton would then make his grand entrance, and you never knew how he was going to look. He might be dressed as a caveman, or a clown, or even Carmen Miranda. No matter what he chose, he was met with uproarious laughter and applause.

Much of the show revolved around sight-gags and Berle was the master of comic timing in this arena. One recurring gag revolved around the words “Make Up.” No matter what the context, if Berle uttered these lines (“Why don’t you kiss and make up”,) a backstage make up artists would come running out an pummel him with an giant powder puff, leaving him dazed and confused as he stumbled around trying to regain his bearings.

Tuesday nights in America were practically owned by “Uncle Miltie” as the show enjoyed enormous ratings throughout its early years. For his efforts, Berle was rewarded with an astounding 30-year contract from NBC, which filled his pockets each year, whether he chose to work or not. But, as television popularity grew, it was inevitable that other shows would start competing for this popularity, and by 1952, Texaco decided to yank their sponsorship. Buick immediately stepping in an took their place, and the show was renamed The Buick-Berle Show. Mixing things up a bit, the series started to morph into more of a sitcom, than a variety series, with a variety of recurring characters making weekly appearances.

When 1955 rolled around, rather than try to be clever, the show was renamed The Milton Berle Show, which is probably what it should have been called in the first place. Although, it only lasted for another year at this point, the legacy created by Berle was unequalled. He spent a brief time hosting another show on NBC called the Kraft Music Hall, but in his remaining years, he preferred to be a guest, rather than the host, appearing on everything from The Tonight Show to The Muppet Movie. He passed away at the ripe old age of 93 in 2002. And although he is gone, he will always retain the title of Mr. Television, master of a medium that, at one time at least, seemed to be created solely for him.