Ed Ames was a celebrated American singer, actor, and entertainer.
With a career spanning over six decades, Ames left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
From his early days as part of the successful singing quartet "The Ames Brothers" to his
memorable role as Mingo in the TV series "Daniel Boone," Ames captivated audiences with his
deep baritone voice, charisma, and remarkable talent.
Sadly, he died in May of 2023, leaving behind an impressive career filled with a great body
of work.
Let’s take a look at the life and career of this entertainer, including a legendary
moment he had on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
Stick around, as Facts Verse presents: He Was Johnny Carson's Funniest Guest of All
Time
Ed’s Early Life Ed Ames was born on July 9, 1927, in Malden,
Massachusetts.
Raised in a family of Ukrainian Jewish heritage, Ames discovered his passion for performing
at a young age.
Ames began his career as part of a singing quartet with his brothers called "The Ames
Brothers."
The group achieved success in the 1950s with their smooth harmonies and popular hits such
as "Rag Mop" and " Sentimental Me.”
The Ames Brothers became regulars on television variety shows and enjoyed a string of chart-topping
records.
However, their rise can to an end as the era of doo-wop and singing quartets was closing,
and the world was entering the rock n roll era.
So, sales were already starting to decline.
But on top of that, the brothers had become completely worn out from touring and recording.
They hadn’t been able to spend much time with their families, which was increasingly
troublesome to them.
Ed told the story of how he popped home one day to surprise his wife and daughter.
His 3-year-old answered the front door, and his wife yelled to her from deeper in the
house, asking who was there.
The little girl responded, “One of the Ames Brothers.”
Ed said that that was the last straw for him.
He huddled with his brothers and they decided it was time to split up the group.
They were still making a lot of money - $20,000 per week.
But they gave it up to be able to spend time at home.
Their final gig as a quartet was on December 31st, 1960, at the Sahara in Vegas.
Ames’s Solo Career Ames embarked on a solo career, focusing on
both his singing and acting talents.
He signed a record deal with RCA Victor and released several albums, showcasing his distinct
baritone voice and delivering heartfelt performances.
His singles "My Cup Runneth Over" and "Who Will Answer?"
became significant hits and solidified his reputation as a solo artist.
However, as he was getting going, he found his career as a solo singer beginning to stall
out.
Perhaps a lot of the people who had been fans of the Ames Brothers weren’t ready to embrace
him as a solo artist.
Or perhaps it was again due to the changing music scene.
Regardless, he started losing a lot of money and nearly had to give up his house.
As a last-ditch effort, he pivoted to acting.
Incredibly, this turned out to be a smart move.
He got a role in a stage production of The Crucible, which gave him enough money to keep
paying his mortgage for a bit.
It also taught him valuable lessons about stagecraft and acting in general.
He was able to parlay this role into appearances in various Broadway productions, including
"Carnival!"
and "The Fantasticks."
These not only helped to solidify his place in the acting world but also displayed his
versatility as a performer.
His theatrical success earned him critical acclaim and established him as a sought-after
talent in the industry.
Ed’s Big Break The TV series "Daniel Boone" holds a special
place in American television history, and Ed Ames's involvement in the show added a
significant layer of depth and popularity.
Airing from 1964 to 1970, "Daniel Boone" depicted the adventures of the legendary American pioneer,
played by Fess Parker, as he explored the untamed frontier.
Ed Ames portrayed the character of Mingo, a Native American ally and friend of Daniel
Boone.
Ames's portrayal of Mingo was pivotal to the success of the show.
His performance brought an authentic and respectful representation of Native American culture
to the small screen.
Mingo was depicted as an intelligent and wise character, serving as a mediator between Boone
and the Native American tribes they encountered.
Ames's natural charisma and on-screen presence brought depth and nuance to the role, earning
him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.
Beyond his contributions to the series, Ed Ames's performance as Mingo became a cultural
phenomenon.
His character resonated with audiences, particularly with young viewers who were inspired by Mingo's
intelligence, bravery, and sense of justice.
Ames's portrayal highlighted the importance of diversity and understanding between different
cultures, making a positive impact during a time when representation and inclusivity
were still evolving concepts on television.
Ames’s Later Career Ames's time on "Daniel Boone" solidified his
status as a television star, leading to further recognition and opportunities in the entertainment
industry.
He became a popular guest on variety shows, talk shows, and game shows, charming audiences
with his talent and warm personality.
His appearances on programs such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring
Johnny Carson" only added to his popularity and cemented his place in popular culture.
More on one famous moment from The Tonight Show in a minute…
Furthermore, Ed Ames's impact extended beyond his role on "Daniel Boone" and his television
appearances.
He continued to pursue a successful music career, releasing albums and performing live
to enthusiastic audiences.
His signature song, "My Cup Runneth Over," became a chart-topping hit and a beloved classic,
further solidifying his status as a versatile entertainer.
Ames's contributions to popular culture and entertainment remain influential to this day.
His portrayal of Mingo on "Daniel Boone" helped shape perceptions of Native American characters
on television, paving the way for greater representation and respect in future productions.
Additionally, Ames's talent and charm have left an enduring legacy, and his work continues
to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.
Ed’s Appearance on The Tonight Show One of the most memorable moments in the history
of "The Tonight Show" occurred on an episode featuring Ed Ames.
The episode was broadcast on January 23, 1965, and it featured a now-legendary incident that
would become etched in the minds of viewers for years to come.
Ed Ames was invited as a guest on "The Tonight Show" and the plan was for him to talk to
host Johnny Carson, and then have a fun, interactive segment to the segment.
Ames, who had been performing in various musicals and had a successful singing career, as well
as his acting career, was well-known to American audiences at the time.
During the interview, Johnny Carson engaged Ames in a conversation about his skills as
a tomahawk thrower, a talent Ames had learned for his role on "Daniel Boone."
Ames spoke about his experience and demonstrated how to throw a tomahawk.
But the first toss did not go as expected.
Ames did indeed hit the target, which was a large drawing of a man on a wood plank,
but in a fairly hilarious way.
The tomahawk’s blade sunk right into the crotch of the painted man, with the handle
sticking straight up.
The audience roared with laughter.
Carson, known for his quick wit and sense of humor, made a lighthearted remark, saying,
"I didn't even know you were Jewish."
This was an off the cuff reference to a circumcision, a common practice in the Jewish faith.
The crowd roared even harder at Carson’s quip.
Ames, who indeed hailed from a Jewish background, responded to Carson's quip with a clever and
unforgettable comeback.
In a deadpan manner, Ames replied, "Actually, Johnny, I'm a Cherokee."
The audience erupted in laughter and applause, appreciating the unexpected and witty response.
Part of what made this moment truly iconic was Carson's reaction.
overwhelmed with laughter, he doubled over his desk, collapsing in a fit of uncontrollable
amusement.
The laughter continued for several minutes, with Carson struggling to regain his composure
and the audience reveling in the hilarity of the situation.
The episode instantly became legendary, and the clip of Ames and Carson's exchange spread
like wildfire, gaining widespread attention and making headlines across the country.
It perfectly captured the essence of Carson's humor and showcased Ames's quick thinking
and ability to deliver a punchline with impeccable timing.
It became a timeless example of how a lighthearted exchange can create an enduring legacy and
bring joy to millions of viewers.
Ed’s Later Life Ames made notable appearances on television
shows and in films.
He guest-starred in popular series such as "The Love Boat," "The Virginian," and "Fantasy
Island," and he starred in movies such as "The Ballad of Josie" (1967) and "The Name
of the Game" (1968).
Ames's talent and popularity extended beyond the United States.
He toured internationally, captivating audiences around the world with his live performances.
His rich voice and captivating stage presence made him a sought-after entertainer on the
global stage.
Throughout the subsequent decades, Ames continued to release music albums sporadically and remained
active in the entertainment industry.
He made guest appearances on television shows and participated in reunion events with the
cast of "Daniel Boone," reaffirming his enduring connection to the beloved series.
Sadly, Ed passed away on May 21, 2023, from Alzheimer’s Disease.
He was 95 years old.
Now it’s time to hear from you.
Did you know that Ed Ames once inadvertently caused one of the biggest laugh and applause
breaks in TV history?
Let us know in the comments section below!