Monty Hall, the legendary television personality best known for hosting Let’s Make a Deal on CBS, died Saturday of heart failure at his home in Beverly Hills.
He was 96 years old.
The New York Times first confirmed this sad piece ofnews.
Hall co-created the aforementioned hit game show and launched it as the emcee in 1963.
At the time of its premiere, Let’s Make a Deal helped anchor CBS’ daytime lineup; it eventually moved to primetime in 1968.
Hall had hosted a number of programs prior to striking it big with this series… which remains on the air today (Wayne Brady is host) and which encourages audience members to dress up in outlandish costumes while they barter for the best prize possible.
A syndicated version of Let’s Make a Deal aired on and off throughout the 1970s and 80s, prior to returning to NBC for a brief run from 1990-1991.
The show was then revived with Brady in 2009, with Hall putting in occasional guest appearances
Hall received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1973.
As a Canadian native, he was named to the Order of Canada in 1988.
Hall is survived by three children: actress Joanna Gleason; TV executive Sharon Hall; and TV producer Richard Hall; in addition to a brother and five grandchildren.
His wife Marilyn passed away in June.
Scroll down to read the full CBS statement about Hall’s life and death…
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Monty Hall, a television legend who hosted a show and created a format that has entertained audiences for more than 50 years,
Monty’s infectious enthusiasm, humor and warmth were a winning combination that was evident to everyone he encountered, whether returning to make appearances on the current version of Let’s Make a Deal, or gracing us with his presence at a photo shoot celebrating CBS Daytime earlier this year.
On screen, Monty made the ‘Big Deals,’ but in the game of life, he himself was one.
Our hearts go out to his children, his entire family and friends.
The statement was released by Angelica McDaniel, CBS’ executive VP of daytime programs and syndicated program development.
May Monty Hall rest in peace.
