 |
Casey KasemAmerican radio host and voice actor,
Date of Birth: 27.04.1932
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Casey Kasem: Radio Luminary and the Voice of Shaggy
- American Top 40
- Television and Voice Acting
- Accolades and Recognition
- Later Career and Family
- Personal Struggles
Casey Kasem: Radio Luminary and the Voice of Shaggy
Early Life and CareerBorn in Detroit, Michigan to Lebanese Ismaili Druze parents, Casey Kasem began his radio career in the mid-1950s in Flint, Michigan. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he continued his passion for broadcasting as a DJ on the Armed Forces Radio Service.
After his military service, Kasem worked at various radio stations in Oakland, California; Cleveland, Ohio; Buffalo, New York; and Los Angeles, California. His big break came on July 4, 1970, when he launched his nationally syndicated show, "American Top 40."
American Top 40
"American Top 40" became a massive success, airing from 1970 to 1988 and again from 1998 to 2004. Hosted by Kasem, the show featured the latest pop hits and became known for Kasem's encyclopedic knowledge of music history and engaging storytelling.
Television and Voice Acting
In the late 1970s, Kasem became a fixture on NBC Television, hosting and narrating news and promotional reels. He also voiced the iconic character Shaggy in the animated series "Scooby-Doo."
Accolades and Recognition
Kasem's contributions to radio were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1981 and an induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1992.
Later Career and Family
From 1989 to 1998, Kasem hosted his own syndicated shows, including "Casey's Top 40" and "Casey's Countdown." In 2006, Sirius Satellite Radio revived the classic "American Top 40" broadcasts with Kasem as host. However, he retired from the show again in 2004, handing the reigns over to Ryan Seacrest.
Kasem remained active in radio, hosting "American Top 20" with his son Mike until 2009. He married twice, first to Linda Myers from 1972 to 1979 and then to American actress Jean Kasem, with whom he had a daughter named Liberty Jean.
Personal Struggles
In 2013, Kasem's daughter Kerri Kasem publicly revealed that he was suffering from Parkinson's disease. She alleged that her stepmother, Jean Kasem, had prevented the family from seeing him. Kasem's health and well-being have been a subject of concern among both fans and family members in recent years.
