Louis G. Cowan
Louis G. Cowan (December 12, 1909 – November 18, 1976[1]) was a President of CBS Networks, a creator of quiz shows (including Quiz Kids radio program and The $64,000 Question for television), television producer[1] and was director of the Voice of America from 1943–1945.[2]
Louis G. Cowan | |
---|---|
Born | December 12, 1909 |
Died | November 18, 1976 New York City (age 66) |
Nationality | United States |
Education | B.A. University of Chicago |
Spouse(s) | Pauline Spiegel |
Children | Paul Cowan Geoffrey Cowan |
He and his wife died in a house fire in New York City, believed to be caused by “smoking carelessness”. Survivors included his sons Paul Cowan and Geoffrey Cowan.[1]
Early life
Cowan was born in Chicago and graduated from the University of Chicago, where he met his wife Pauline Spiegel,[1][3] granddaughter of Joseph Spiegel, founder of the Spiegel catalog.[4]
Career
He produced more than 50 programs during his three years with CBS, including “Captain Kangaroo,” and won two Peabody Awards. After he left CBS, he founded Chilmark Press, was director of the Brandeis University Communications Center, special lecturer at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and founded the William E. Wiener Oral History Library for the American Jewish Committee.[1]
References
- "Louis Cowan. Killed With Wife in a Fire; Created Quiz Shows". NY Times. November 19, 1976. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
- "Louis G. Cowan (1943–1945)". VOA. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
- Shulman, Holly C. "Polly Spiegel Cowan, Civil Rights Activist, 1913 – 1976". Jewish Women's Archive. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
- Silberman, Charles E. (October 19, 1982). "Living in 1982 and 5743". The New York Times.