David Susskind on AllMovie

Considered a key figure in the development of television talk shows, distinguished talk-show host/moderator David Susskind started out as a press agent for Warner Bros. studios. Before founding Talent Associates in 1948, Susskind was a talent agent for MCA. In the early '50s, Susskind became a television producer and became known for producing some of the decade's finest television plays. In 1958, he began his career as a talk show host on an innovative local New York broadcast called Open End. The show began at 11 p.m. every night and would not end until the participants were exhausted. The show was known for its intelligent guests and stimulating, sometimes controversial, and often confrontational conversations. Over the years, Susskind conversed with many famous people. His most notorious exchange occurred in 1960 when he spoke to visiting Soviet leader Khruschev. Over the years, Susskind earned 27 Emmys and three Peabody awards. In addition to his work as a host and television producer, Susskind also produced a few high-quality feature films including A Raisin in the Sun, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, and Simon.