Perry Como

The son of an Italian immigrants, Perry Como worked as a barber in his Pennsylvania hometown before inagurating his singing career in 1933 with the Ted Weems Orchestra. Rapidly gaining popularity during WWII with his mellow, easygoing ballads, Como was signed to a 20th Century Fox contract, appearing in four films before deciding that the movies weren't for him. He made a successful transition from radio to TV in 1948 as star of The Chesterfield Supper Club. He remained a top-rated video attraction well into the early '60s, most memorably as host of The Kraft Music Hall (1955-1963). So relaxed that it appeared he was about to fall asleep, Como was ideal for the "cool" medium of television. He continued turning out best-selling records throughout his TV career, including Catch a Falling Star, Find a Wheel, and his signature tune Dream Along With Me. After 1963, he starred in the occasional TV special, and in 1970 made a long-overdue return to live performance. Though active into the 1990s, Perry Como never felt the need to return to films, save for his voice-over contribution to 1974's The Odessa File.

~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide