Ladimir Kwiatkowski

Ladimir Kwiatkowski (July 13, 1928 – March 2, 1994), better known as Ladmo, was an American television personality who co-hosted The Wallace and Ladmo Show, a daily children's variety show broadcast on KPHO in Phoenix, Arizona.[1] The program featured clowns, cartoons and short comedy skits.

Ladimir Kwiatkowski
Kwiatkowski with a Ladmo Bag
Born(1928-07-13)July 13, 1928
Cleveland, Ohio
DiedMarch 2, 1994(1994-03-02) (aged 65)
Phoenix, Arizona
NationalityAmerican
Other namesLadmo
Occupationtelevision host
Known forThe Wallace and Ladmo Show

Personal life

Kwiatkowski was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Walter and Florence Kwiatkowski. His father was a Cleveland police detective. He graduated from high school in 1947. In 1949 Kwiatkowski decided to attend Arizona State College in Tempe. He wanted to be a sports broadcaster. He played baseball with the ASU team and was considered by scouts from the Cleveland Indians.[2]

Kwiatkowski's grave in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Phoenix.

While at ASU, Kwiatkowski met and married his wife Patsy Lou Killough (March 31, 1951). He graduated from ASU with a degree in journalism and decided to try to get a job in television. “If I get a job in television, I’m going to stay. If I can’t get a job in TV, I’m going to take the baseball offer.”

Kwiatkowski had five children. He died of lung cancer in Tempe, Arizona on March 2, 1994.

Professional career

The day after Kwiatkowski's graduation, in 1955, he went to the KPHO-TV studios and met with the general manager, Dick Rawls (the future inspiration for the character, Mr. Grudgemeyer) and they hit it off. One hour after returning home, Lad received a call to start work the next day.

While working as a cameraman for KPHO, Kwiatkowski became involved with the It's Wallace? program, hosted by Bill Thompson (Wallace). He developed his Ladmo character there, as well as his trademark "Ladmo Bags," which were given out as prizes on the show. Kwiatkowski and Thompson thus began a professional partnership that lasted decades—with It's Wallace? eventually being renamed The Wallace and Ladmo Show. Its final taping was on December 29, 1989, after a 36-year run, becoming one of the longest-running daily children's television shows in American broadcasting.[3] By that time the show had won many awards, including nine Emmy awards.[4]

After The Wallace and Ladmo Show ended, Kwiatkowski retired from broadcasting. He remained active in various social programs and charities.[5]

References
  1. "Wallace & Ladmo Official Site". wallacewatchers.com.
  2. "Legions of fans mourn Ladmo, TV's clown prince". Arizona Republic. 1994-03-03. Retrieved 2010-03-19.
  3. "Missing a Friend: End to Ladmo's life of Joy". Arizona Republic. 1994-03-05. Retrieved 2010-03-19.
  4. "Brief History Of "Wallace And Ladmo"". KPHO Web Site. Archived from the original on 2011-06-14. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
  5. After the Show
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