Art Linkletter (born Gordon Arthur Kelly on July 17 1912) in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, was the host of two of the longest-running shows in United States broadcast history: House Party, which ran on CBS radio and television for 25 years, and People Are Funny, on NBC radio-TV for 19 years. Linkletter was famous for interviewing children on House Party and Kids Say the Darndest Things, which led to a successful series of books quoting children.

In his autobiography, Confessions of a Happy Man (1960), Linkletter revealed that he had had no contact with his natural parents or his sister or two brothers since he was abandoned when only a few weeks old. He was adopted by Mary and John Linkletter, an evangelical preacher. Later moving to the United States, he graduated from San Diego State University (SDSU) where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He had previously planned to attend Springfield College, but did not for financial reasons. He later served for many years as a trustee at Springfield College, and donated money to build the swim center named in his honor.

He has had one of the longest marriages of any celebrity in America. He married Lois Foerster on November 25, 1935 and they had five children: Arthur Jack (known as Jack Linkletter, a TV host), Dawn, Robert, Sharon, and Diane. He was a good friend of Walt Disney. It might be coincidence, but Walt Disney's children, who arrived first, were also named Sharon and Diane.

He lost two of his children to violent deaths. His 20-year-old daughter, Diane Linkletter, died on October 4 1969 by jumping out of her sixth floor kitchen window. Art Linkletter claimed that she committed suicide because she was on, or having a flashback from, an LSD trip. However, toxicology tests done after the incident detected no signs of LSD use, and it is quite likely that the drug played no part in her suicide. Linkletter speaks out against drugs to prevent children from straying into a drug habit. His record, We Love You Call Collect, recorded before her death, featured a discussion about permissiveness in modern society. It featured a rebuttal by Diane, called "Dear Mom and Dad." The record won a 1970 Grammy award for the "Best Spoken Word Recording".

His son Robert died in an automobile accident.

His son (Arthur) Jack Linkletter, born November 20, 1937, died on of lymphoma.

In 1963 Art Linkletter became the spokesman for Milton Bradley's Game of Life. His picture appeared on the box and on the $100,000 bills.

He recently opened the Happiest Homecoming on Earth celebrations for the fiftieth anniversary of Disneyland, when aged 93. Half a century earlier, he commentated on the opening day celebrations in 1955. For this, he was named a Disney Legend in 2005.

Linkletter was once a spokesperson for National Home Life, an insurance company. In recent years, Linkletter, a conservative Republican, has become a political organizer and a spokesman for the United Seniors Association, now known as USA Next, a conservative alternative to the AARP. He is also also a member of Pepperdine University's Board of Regents. He received a lifetime achievement Daytime Emmy award in 2003.

Art Linkletter is currently a member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Father of Jack Linkletter.

In 1969, his daughter Diane Linkletter committed suicide by jumping out of her kitchen window. He blamed LSD and became very outspoken against drugs. Several reports at the time showed that LSD played no role, but Art still continued to speak out against the psychedelic movement for many years.

(2003) Grand marshal, Tournament of Roses parade

Appointed to President Nixon's national advisory council for drug abuse prevention, education and information following the drug-related suicide of daughter Diane.

One of America's most dedicated humanitarians, Art has been recognized for his work for the National Easter Seals Foundation, the National Heart Foundation, the Foster Parents Plan and Goodwill Industries.

His lecture tour is entitled "Old Age Is Not for Sissies", which is also the title of his 23rd book.

Only person in TV history to have five shows concurrently on network TV.

Friend Walt Disney could only afford to pay Linkletter scale to help host the Disneyland grand opening special Dateline: Disneyland (1955) (TV); in return, Linkletter asked for and received the park's camera and film concessions for 10 years.

Shares his birthday (July 17th) with Disneyland, where he hosted the grand opening in 1955 and returned 50 years later to help host the celebration on July 17th 2005, and is the only celebrity to appear at Disneyland publicly both of those days.

Adopted by John, an evangelical preacher, and Mary Linkletter, as a baby.