Overview
Richard Eugene Stewart (April 22, 1928 – May 31, 2019) was an American singer, bandleader, actor, television host, and author. From 1959 to 1963, he hosted the popular televised music show, KPIX Dance Party.
Early life
Stewart was born in Davenport, Iowa on April 22, 1928. In his preschool years, his family moved to Oakland, California. Stewart attended Cleveland Grammar School and Oakland High School in Oakland. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Stewart attended radio school on the GI bill.
Career
For seven years, Stewart was a host for Southern California local television shows.
Actor
Stewart had a few acting roles. One was as Everett in the 1953 film The Glass Web which was directed by Jack Arnold. Other films include Good Morning, Miss Dove in 1955 and That's the Way of the World in 1975.
KPIX Dance Party (1959) host
Stewart took over the show, on 23 February 1959, to 1963, filling the position of the previous host Ted Randall who had resigned. Stewart got the position after being the winner in a series of auditions which were broadcast live.
DJ
Stewart was a radio DJ for KSFO on Sundays with an hour show.
Singer
As a singer, he performed at venues like the Off Broadway. In early 1962 he had a single out on the Penthouse label. It was "I Believe" bw "Without You". It was produced by George Motola. Around 1963, he recorded "I'll Change", which was produced by Al Hazan. The song was possibly intended for release on the Ava label but was rejected.
The Dream Girl of 1967 host
Stewart was the first host of the ABC-TV & Chuck Barris Game Show Beauty Pageant called The Dream Girl of 1967 from Monday December 19, 1966 to Friday June 23, 1967 except Bob Barker (Future Ex-Host of "The Price is Right" Guest Host for Monday-Friday June 12–16, 1967 for promoting Chuck Barris' New Game Show THE FAMILY GAME also on ABC-TV before Wink Martindale Hosted and his 2 Hostess are Beverly Adams (December 19–23, 1966) & Karen Valentine (December 26, 1966 – August 25, 1967.)
Personal life and death
Dick Stewart remarried to Anne Randall.
External links
* * Richard Eugene Stewart .com * KPIX Dance Party .org * KPIX Dance Party at IMDb