- published: 25 Feb 2016
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Dennis James (August 24, 1917 – June 3, 1997), born Demie James Sposa, was an American television personality, actor, and announcer. He is credited as the host of television's first network game show, the DuMont Network's Cash and Carry in 1946. James was the first person ever to host a telethon and to appear in a television commercial.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, James began his career in radio with WNEW (now WBBR) and moved to television in 1938, working for the soon-to-become-DuMont Television Network station WABD, which is now WNYW. (WABD helped to found the DuMont network in 1946.) James became the host of a few game shows, such as the ABC version of Chance of a Lifetime (1952–1953) and served as commentator for DuMont's wrestling and boxing shows, such as Boxing From Jamaica Arena (1948-1949). He hosted the DuMont daytime variety show Okay, Mother (1948–1951). James often addressed the TV audience as "Mother", a practice he had begun when discussing the finer points of wrestling during his sports broadcasts.