The Millionaire is an American anthology series that aired on CBS from 1955 to
1960. It was originally sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive. The series, produced by
Don Fedderson and Fred Henry, explored the ways that sudden and unexpected
wealth changed life, for better or for worse, and became a five-season hit
during the Golden Age of Television, finishing in the Nielsen ratings at #9 for
the 1955-1956 season, #13 in 1956-1957, #17 in 1957-1958 and #30 in 1958-1959.
It told the stories of people who were given one million dollars ($8.94 million
in 2016 dollars) from a benefactor who insisted they never knew him, with one
exception. The series was known in syndication by two titles, as The
Millionaire and as If You Had a Million.
The benefactor was named John Beresford Tipton, Jr. Viewers heard his voice,
making observations and giving instructions; they saw only his arm as he
reached for a cashier's check for one million dollars each week and handed it
to Michael Anthony, his executive secretary. It was Anthony's job to deliver
that check to its intended recipient.
Invariably, The Millionaire began with a very brief opening theme fanfare
behind the ascending title frame, followed by the camera's training directly
upon Michael Anthony, played by veteran character actor and radio and
television announcer Marvin Miller. The unseen John Beresford Tipton was played
by another veteran character actor and voice artist, Paul Frees. Miller was the
only cast member who was seen in every 206 episodes.
From: Marcia Moses <mgmoses@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: ourplace@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2017 8:35 PM
Subject: [ourplace] The Million Heir
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Devon,You're right. I combined the men's two names. I think the million heir
was Tipton,and his employee, the guy who handed out the money was Mike
Anthony.I sent a post before, but it didn't make it to the list.Thanks for
straightening me out.Marcia