Humphrey Bogart on TV: How His Star Power Went Beyond the Big Screen

Television was still in its early years near the end of Humphrey Bogart's life. It was rare for fans of the iconic actor to see Humphrey Bogart on TV. Bogart made a handful of appearances on the medium in the 1950s, interacting with notable TV personalities of the era ranging from comedian Jack Benny to journalist Edward R. Murrow.

Here is a closer look at Bogart's rare television appearances in the final years of his life and beyond:

1. "The Jack Benny Program"

In a rare comedic turn, Bogart appeared on a 1951 episode of "The Jack Benny Program," a popular comedy sketch show that aired during the 1950s and 1960s. He portrayed Babyface Bogart, a notorious killer who is interrogated by a police lieutenant played by Benny.

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This is the only time Bogart did a parody of his gangster persona that defined his early acting career.

A kinescope of the live telecast still exists at Internet Archive.

2. "Person to Person"

Bogart appeared with his wife, Lauren Bacall, on an episode of Edward R. Murrow's popular celebrity interview show in 1954. Murrow used the show to interview prominent celebrities in a forerunner to modern entertainment magazine shows.

Bogart and Bacall made an unforgettable impression in their live appearance by disagreeing on nearly every question posed by Murrow during the interview.

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3. "Producers' Showcase"

For the third time in his acting career, Bogart portrayed escaped killer and notorious gangster Duke Mantee in an adaptation of the "Petrified Forest." Bogart had played the part previously in the original 1935 Broadway play and again in a 1936 movie based on the play. The 1955 television version also featured Henry Fonda and Lauren Bacall in key roles.

A kinescope of this live telecast still exists, also available at Internet Archive.

4. "Tales from the Crypt"

Bogart returned from the grave, so to speak, for one final role. His image was digitally inserted into a 1995 episode of the HBO horror anthology series. Bogart appears in the "You, Murderer" episode as one of the many references to his classic film "Casablanca" contained within the episode.

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