Family Card - Person Sheet
Family Card - Person Sheet
NameBess Johnson 
Birth1901, Elkins, West Virginia
Spouses
Birth5 May 1899, Junior, Barbour County, West Virginia
Death8 Sep 1961, North Carolina
Occupationhead of radiology, Watts Hospital, Durham, NC from 1952
ChildrenJane (~1931-2009)
Notes for Bess Johnson
Presenting commercials on the air wasn't reserved for famous journalists, announcers, and sportscasters--- or even men for that matter! In addition to the various character roles she played in the 1930's, actress Bess Johnson was also one of the few female announcers of network radio. On the WAYNE KING'S ORCHESTRA program, Ms. Johnson presented the commercials for the program's sponsor, Lady Esther Cosmetics in the role of Lady Esther. According to an article in the May 28,1938 issue of Radio Guide magazine, Ms. Johnson's portrayal of Lady Esther stirred up some controversy, because some people believed that all radio commercials should be done by men. To focus into this controversy, Radio Guide featured the article, “Should Radio Use Women Announcers?” To answer the question the best way as possible, the article took an equal view of both sides with 12 people (6 from each side) who either worked on radio or were radio listeners. In an interesting turn of events, of the 6 people who favored female announcers, 4 were men--- and of the 6 who didn't favor them, 3 were women. From a personal viewpoint, Ms. Johnson had an outstanding speaking voice, and she could present radio commercials as good as any announcer, male or female. Besides, can you picture Lady Esther on the air with a man's voice??!!
Regardless what the people thought of her as Lady Esther, it didn't discourage Ms. Johnson from presenting radio commercials. When the Columbia serial PALMOLIVE'S HILLTOP HOUSE made its debut, Ms. Johnson played the lead role (who happened to be named Bess Johnson), the manager of the Hilltop House Orphanage. Frank Gallop was the program's announcer, but it was Ms. Johnson who presented the commercials for the sponsor, Palmolive Soap. Ms. Johnson's announcing duties didn't hamper the popularity of PALMOLIVE'S HILLTOP HOUSE, as it was among the most popular daytime serials of the late 1930's
This is only a short list of some big names in radio doing their part in selling the product to the radio listeners. It also demonstrated the “team effort” of the people to make network radio successful--- and considering the golden age lasted as long as it did, they succeeded.
from -
http://www.old-time.com/commercials/OTR/Everyone%20Takes%20Part%20In%20Radio%20Commercials.htm
Radio Trivia Unearthed
From Trail End Notes, July 2004
In doing the research for this summer's fundraiser, "Wireless Goes Hollywood: Live Readers' Theatre From the Golden Age of Radio," Trail End staff discovered some interesting tidbits about both radio in general and the specific plays included in the presentation.
Both Casablanca and The Philadelphia Story were sponsored by an Illinois-based cosmetics company, makers of Lady Esther Face Cream. In its commercials, Lady Esther was portrayed by actress Bess Johnson. One of the few female announcers working in network radio at the time, Ms. Johnson stirred up quite a furor. In May 1938, Radio Guide magazine reported that some people believed that all radio commercials should be done by men. In the article "Should Radio Use Women Announcers," twelve writers gave the pros and cons of the female on-air voice. Regardless what the people thought of her as Lady Esther, it didn't discourage Ms. Johnson from making radio commercials. She later went on to make commercial announcements for Palmolive and other products.
Regardless what the people thought of her as Lady Esther, it didn't discourage Ms. Johnson from presenting radio commercials. When the Columbia serial PALMOLIVE'S HILLTOP HOUSE made its debut, Ms. Johnson played the lead role (who happened to be named Bess Johnson), the manager of the Hilltop House Orphanage. Frank Gallop was the program's announcer, but it was Ms. Johnson who presented the commercials for the sponsor, Palmolive Soap. Ms. Johnson's announcing duties didn't hamper the popularity of PALMOLIVE'S HILLTOP HOUSE, as it was among the most popular daytime serials of the late 1930's
This is only a short list of some big names in radio doing their part in selling the product to the radio listeners. It also demonstrated the “team effort” of the people to make network radio successful--- and considering the golden age lasted as long as it did, they succeeded.
from -
http://www.old-time.com/commercials/OTR/Everyone%20Takes%20Part%20In%20Radio%20Commercials.htm
Radio Trivia Unearthed
From Trail End Notes, July 2004
In doing the research for this summer's fundraiser, "Wireless Goes Hollywood: Live Readers' Theatre From the Golden Age of Radio," Trail End staff discovered some interesting tidbits about both radio in general and the specific plays included in the presentation.
Both Casablanca and The Philadelphia Story were sponsored by an Illinois-based cosmetics company, makers of Lady Esther Face Cream. In its commercials, Lady Esther was portrayed by actress Bess Johnson. One of the few female announcers working in network radio at the time, Ms. Johnson stirred up quite a furor. In May 1938, Radio Guide magazine reported that some people believed that all radio commercials should be done by men. In the article "Should Radio Use Women Announcers," twelve writers gave the pros and cons of the female on-air voice. Regardless what the people thought of her as Lady Esther, it didn't discourage Ms. Johnson from making radio commercials. She later went on to make commercial announcements for Palmolive and other products.