Bert Convy

Bert Convy (born Bernard Whalen Convy on July 23, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri) was an American multi‑talented entertainer whose career spanned acting, singing, and game‑show hosting. After his family moved to Los Angeles when he was seven, he excelled in athletics at North Hollywood High School and even attracted a contract offer from the Philadelphia Phillies, spending two seasons (1951‑52) in minor‑league baseball before turning to the performing arts. He studied at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, earning a bachelor's degree that launched a prolific stage career, including originating the role of Perchik in the original Broadway cast of Fiddler on the Roof (1964) and creating Cliff Bradshaw in Cabaret (1966). Convy also sang with the 1950s vocal group The Cheers, whose hit “Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots” reached the top ten in 1955, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist. Transitioning to television, he became a familiar face as a semi‑regular panelist on classics such as What’s My Line?, To Tell the Truth, and Match Game, before gaining nationwide recognition as the charismatic host of Tattletales (1974‑1978, 1982‑1984) and Super Password (1984‑1989), earning a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host in 1977. Alongside Burt Reynolds he co‑founded Burt and Bert Productions, producing the popular game show Win, Lose or Draw (1987‑1989) and the short‑lived 3rd Degree. His acting résumé includes guest spots on The Partridge Family, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and film roles in Semi‑Tough and The Cannonball Run. In April 1990 Convy was diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma, which forced his retirement; he married Catherine Hills five months before his death on July 15, 1991, in Brentwood, Los Angeles, and is buried at Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills.