PULLMAN, Wash.–A former Washington State University student who spent more than four decades in professional broadcasting has received the WSU Alumni Achievement Award.
Art Gilmore of Sherman Oaks, Calif., was recognized for “distinction and innovation in the radio and television profession.”
Gilmore got his start in Hollywood in 1936 as staff announcer for KFWB, a radio station owned by Warner Brothers Studio. Later, he joined the news staff at KNX radio after it was purchased by CBS.
During World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy as a fighter-director officer aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, then returned to Hollywood to pursue a career as a singer until 1948. That experience opened other doors, including acting. He appeared on Lux Radio Theater, among other shows, then decided to devote most of his time to announcing and narration.
He was announcer for such television shows as George Gobel, Red Skelton, Climax and Shower of Stars. He also narrated 156 episodes of Highway Patrol. In addition, he was cast as a police captain in many of the Dragnet television shows, and as Lt. Moore of the Los Angeles Police Department on the Adam-12 television series.
Gilmore is co-author of the textbook “Television and Radio Announcing.” For a while, he lectured on radio announcing at the University of Southern California. In later years, he narrated documentaries, travelogues and children’s albums. He also was a reader and board member of Recording for the Blind, Inc., of Hollywood.
Gilmore was elected president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Arts. He was founding president of the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters, and a past president of the Permanent Charities Committee of the Entertainment Industry.
Gilmore came to WSU from Tacoma. He spent 1934-35 as a staff announcer at KWSC radio. He has often said he enjoyed his stay at WSU and the early association it provided with the broadcasting profession.
He returned to the Pullman campus in May 1996 with his wife, Grace Weller Gilmore (’36 Home Ec.), to celebrate the 60th anniversary of her graduation.
pc137-98
