THE MEN WHO MANNED PASSWORD PLUS

HERE’S THE STAR OF PASSWORD PLUS, ALLEN LUDDEN!

The master himself was born in 1918 in Mineral Point, WI. In addition to Password, this University of Texas Longhorn hosted Liar’s Club, G.E. College Bowl, Stumpers!, and even two pilots for The Joker’s Wild. He appeared as a panelist on To Tell the Truth, Match Game, Tattletales, and What’s My Line?, where he was also a mystery guest! He met Betty White when she was a Password panelist. They married in 1963. Sadly, Allen was forced off Password Plus in 1980 when his cancer came back. He lost his battle in 1981.

HERE’S THE STAR OF BLOCKBUSTERS, BILL CULLEN!

Born William Laurence Cullen in 1920, this Pittsburgh native filled in for Allen from mid-April to mid-May 1980. (Allen was in the hospital during that time.) “The Dean of Game Shows” has hosted countless game shows such as the aforementioned Blockbusters and Password Plus, Pass the Buck, Hot Potato, The Price Is Right (long before the Bob Barker version [which Drew Carey now hosts]), The Joker’s Wild and I’ve Got a Secret (to name a few). Bill wasn’t just a great host; he was also a great Password player. Sadly, Bill also lost his battle with cancer. He passed away in 1990.

HERE’S THE STAR OF BODY LANGUAGE, TOM KENNEDY!

Born Jim Narz in 1927, this Louisville native took over as permanent host in October 1980. In addition to Password Plus and the aforementioned Body Language, Tom hosted shows such as Split Second, You Don’t Say!, To Say the Least, Whew!, The Price Is Right (1985 primetime syndicated version) and Wordplay (to name a few). He is the brother of Jack Narz, who also hosted an episode of Password Plus (and did a great job!). Even though he was no Allen Ludden, Tom did a great job.

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