Nationality American Name Ken Niles Siblings Wendell Niles | Occupation Radio announcer Role Announcer Ex-spouse Nadia Niles | |
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Born December 9, 1906
or December 9, 1908 or ( 1906-12-091908-12-09 ) Livingston, Montana Died October 31, 1988, Santa Monica, California, United States Children Kenneth Niles, Denise Niles Nephews Wendell E. Niles Jr., Denny Niles Movies Out of the Past, The Inner Circle, Lady - Let's Dance | ||
Ken Niles (December 9, 1906 or 1908, in Livingston, Montana – October 31, 1988) was an American radio announcer. He was married to Nadia Niles, and had two children named Kenneth Niles and Denise Niles. His brother, Wendell Niles, was also a radio announcer.
Niles played an important role in the development of radio drama throughout the 1920s. "Mr. Niles began a series of original radio dramas called Theater of the Mind in 1928." During the 1930s, he produced and assisted with the hosting of actress-cum-gossip columnist Louella Parsons' talent and interview program Hollywood Hotel. Parsons and Niles later appeared in a 1937 feature film based on the show. Niles subsequently narrated, or served as announcer, in several other feature films. His most notable film role was the murdered lawyer Leonard Eels in Out of the Past (1947) with Robert Mitchum.
Niles also served as commercial announcer and foil on several series sponsored by Camel Cigarettes, notably that starring Abbott and Costello. Niles was frequently paired in comedy skits opposite Elvia Allman as his fictitious wife Mrs Niles. Niles was also the announcer for The Amazing Mrs. Danberry.
For his work in radio, he received a "Star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as did his brother, making them the first brothers to be so honored.