Non-Disney Entertainment
Topic: Sportscaster Jim McKay dies at 86

#	Author	Message
1	Dave Sat 6/7/2008 12:01p	NEW YORK (AP) - Jim McKay, the venerable and eloquent sportscaster thrust into the role of telling Americans about the tragedy at the 1972 Munich Olympics, has died. He was 86. McKay died Saturday of natural causes at his farm in Monkton, Md., said son Sean McManus, president of CBS News and Sports. The broadcaster who considered horse racing his favorite sport died only hours before Big Brown attempted to win a Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes. He was host of ABC's influential "Wide World of Sports" for more than 40 years, starting in 1961. The weekend series introduced viewers to all manner of strange, compelling and far-flung sports events. The show provided an international reach long before exotic backdrops became a staple of sports television. McKay provided the famous voice-over that accompanied the opening in which viewers were reminded of the show's mission ("spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sports") and what lay ahead ("the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat"). http://ap.google.com/article/A...915CQD04
2	wahooskipper Sat 6/7/2008 5:45p	I grew up with McKay from the Wide World of Sports to his Olympic coverage. He is one of the last of a rare breed...a sportscaster who did not need to thrust himself or his personality into each and every story. RIP.
3	DAR Sat 6/7/2008 6:00p	Truly a legend and someone that didn't need catchphrases to sell himself.
4	DAR Sat 6/7/2008 6:04p	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...=related
5	EdisYoda Sat 6/7/2008 7:13p	I too grew up watching his work on the Olympics (They were never the same when ABC decided not to cover them any more) and Wide World of Sports. This is truely the Agony of Defeat. But, Mr McKay, you did it with the Thrill of Victory. Thank you for a job and life well done. You will be missed. RIP Jim McKay
6	Dabob2 Mon 6/9/2008 10:50a	I saw Jim McKay in an elevator in NY once. He was smaller than you might have expected, and very unassuming. Even said "excuse me" to a woman who essentially bumped into HIM. Chatted amiably with a fan who chatted him up in the elevator. Absolutely zero "star attitude."
7	wonderingalice Tue 6/10/2008 7:55a	Wide World of Sports was pretty much a never-miss program of my childhood. Loved it... And Jim McKay was a huge part of what made it great - an American classic. Rest easy, sir.

All times are Pacific Time (US)

Note: Information on the discussion boards is sometimes based on rumors or incorrect information and should not be assumed true. Messages do not necessarily reflect the opinion of LaughingPlace.com or its editors.

< Previous Topic

Next Topic >

You must be a registered user to post messages.
Click here to register.
After registration you will automatically be brought back to this topic

Laughing Place Podcast
This week the crew discuss the post-summer happenings at Disneyland, Disney Channel's early days and keeping Disney parks unchanged plus the return of Doobekah's Adventures, another Freak-y email from Brent, reader mail on Celebrity sightings, the Captains Challenge and more.

What's on
The Latest
A Wave of Enhancements In-Store for the Disney Magic Cruise Ship as it Heads Into Dry Dock in September 2008
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Invites Fans of “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” to Exclusive Red-Carpet Premiere Oct 16
Calling All Walt Disney World Vacation ‘Know-It-Alls’: The Mouse Searching for 16 Parents for 2009 Moms Panel
Sara Lee Dances with Disney's 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year' in Extensive Film-Driven Campaign
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning premiere pictures added to LP Lotion
The Haunted Halloween returns to Hong Kong Disneyland
It’s a “Suite Life” on the Disney Wonder with Disney Channel World-Premiere Event
Miss America 2009 contestants visit the Magic Kingdom
Halloween, Disneyland Resort Paris Style! Oct 4 - Nov 2
Meet Santa this Christmas at Disneyland Resort Paris Nov 6 - Jan 9

Click here for The Latest