Remembering Monty Hall

Famous Canadian-born game show host Monty Hall died this past September 30 at the age of 96. I was blessed to work with him on several occasions when he hosted Variety Club Telethons for the province of Ontario.

He was always friendly to me whenever I appeared with him on the show. The majority of my appearances were made as a member of my school's choir, comprised of children with physical disabilities. Though Hall was busy each telethon greeting guests and announcing total donation updates, he made time to say hi to me and others representing Sunny View Public School. He never once asked us to make a deal with him.

Hall is remembered for creating and hosting the original Let's Make a Deal game show, but I will always remember him as a kind man who gave his time and talent supporting charitable organizations like Variety Club. More importantly, I will remember him as a generous person who treated everybody equally.

Facts About Monty Hall

Me with Monty Hall in 1994

During the weekend, Monty Hall received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in daytime television. The Daytime Emmy Awards honoured him in a TV career that has lasted over 50 years. 

I met Monty Hall back when he used to host a series of annual Variety Club Telethons that were broadcast throughout Ontario during the '80s and '90s. At 91 years old, he has aged well, and continues to be involved on the new Let's Make a Deal as a consultant.

Here are some facts about Monty Hall:

- He was born Maurice Halperin Jr. on August 25, 1921 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

- He is the son of Orthodox Jews who owned a slaughterhouse in Winnipeg 

- He graduated from high school at the age of 14

- Graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba in 1945

- He has been married since 1947, with three children

- He changed his name while a disc jockey on CHUM radio in Toronto during the late '40s

- Well-known for his many philanthropic interests with organizations such as Variety Club

- Was a radio analyst for the New York Rangers hockey team during the 1959–60 season

- He hosted the game show Let's Make a Deal from 1963 to 1991

- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1973

- He was awarded the O.C. (Officer of the Order of Canada) in 1987 for his services to broadcasting

- Inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2002

- Inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007

- Ranked #4 on GSN's list of the Top 10 Game Show Hosts of All Time