Joseph Vito Marcello De Santis (June 15, 1909 – August 30, 1989), known as Joe De Santis, was an American radio, television, movie and theatrical actor.
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Biography
Joseph Vito Marcello De Santis was born to Italian immigrant parents in New York City on June 15, 1909. His father, Pasquale De Santis, was a tailor from San Pietro Apostolo in Catanzaro, Italy; his mother, Maria Paoli, emigrated from Lucca in Tuscany and worked in a paper flower factory. He worked his way through New York University studying sculpture and drama, his first performances being in Italian.
In 1931, he debuted as a broadcaster on an Italian-language radio station. In the 1930s, when professional acting opportunities became scarce, he worked as an instructor with the Works Progress Administration. In the era of old-time radio, he was heard on Pepper Young's Family, Mr. District Attorney, The March of Time, Gang Busters, and The Kate Smith Show. One of his most important contributions to the industry was his narration of Norman Corwin's On a Note of Triumph, broadcast nationwide at the conclusion of World War II.
On May 17, 1985, De Santis was inducted into the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Diamond Circle. During his early years he also did numerous Italian-language broadcasts. De Santis made several contributions to "Remember Radio", a column in one of the trade publications.
