Remembered for his long-running television talk program The Joe Franklin Show, this entertainment personality and popular culture expert is also notable for his publications, which include Joe Franklin's Movie Trivia; Joe Franklin's Encyclopedia of Comedians; and Joe Franklin's Awfully Corny Joke Book.
When he was only fourteen years old, he began writing for Kate Smith's popular radio show. Two years later, he joined the music team of a Martin Block-hosted radio program called Make Believe Ballroom.
He made cameo appearances in the movies Broadway Danny Rose and Ghostbusters.
Born Joseph Fortgang, he grew up in New York City as a member of a Jewish family. His marriage to Lois Meridan resulted in a son named Bradley.
Surpassing Johnny Carson's hosting record by over ten years, Franklin won the Guinness World Record for continuous television talk show hosting.