News Danny Thomas to Receive Third Annual Bob Hope Humanitarian Award Legendary actor and humanitarian Danny Thomas posthumously will receive the prestigious Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, which his daughter Marlo Thomas will accept on his behalf at the 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, it was announced today by Dick Askin, Chairman of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The show will broadcast live from Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium, Sunday, September 19 (8 – 11 p.m. ET Live/PT – tape delay) on ABC. "Danny Thomas is a legend, one of the pioneers of television, as not only a performer, but as a very successful producer. But as popular as he was in television, those achievements paled in comparison to his unparalleled contribution to children, by founding the St. Jude Children's  Research Hospital,” said Askin.  “The work that he started, which has been continued by his family, is responsible for saving  hundreds of thousands of lives, and the hospital's efforts have had an enormous impact on medical research. It is our privilege to be able to honor  Danny Thomas and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.” Added daughter Marlo Thomas, “My father would have loved to receive this award from the Academy.  He always said it was the power of television that enabled him to raise the first money to build St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  And it is so touching that the award is named for his dear friend Bob Hope, who helped him on many occasions to raise money for St. Jude.” Established two years ago by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award represents one of the highest honors presented by the Board in recognition of the late Bob Hope's pioneer status in the industry and of his many humanitarian efforts over a long and fulfilling career. The Award recognizes the tremendous contributions that were made by Bob Hope for more than half a century to the growth and development of radio and television as a family medium and as a platform for political and social commentary.  Oprah Winfrey and Bill Cosby are past recipients. Danny Thomas’ successful career spanned more than seven decades and included credits in radio, television and film.  In 1953, he made his television debut in the long-running series, Make Room For Daddy.  The show, based loosely on Thomas' personal life, depicted the comedian as an entertainer whose main problem was spending as much time as possible with his family.  Make Room For Daddy was the recipient of an Emmy Award in 1954 for "Best New Program," and in 1955 for "Best Situation Comedy Series."  That same year, Thomas received an Emmy for "Best Actor Starring in a Regular Series."  He also made a name for himself behind the camera: writing for Make Room For Daddy and producing The Mod Squad, The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Andy Griffith Show.  Thomas also received Emmy nominations as an executive producer on The Mod Squad and for his guest appearance as Dr. Leo Brewster on NBC’s Empty Nest.  Thomas started in the entertainment business in 1934 at a radio station in Detroit, eventually moving to Chicago radio in 1940 where he also worked as a master of ceremonies at several nightclubs including the 5100 Club until 1943.  Throughout the 1940s he developed his own radio and television programs, and performed in clubs and theaters worldwide; he performed overseas during World War II solo as well as with Marlene Dietrich and company.  Thomas made his motion picture debut in 1947 in The Unfinished Dance, which he followed with starring roles opposite Doris Day in I’ll See You in My Dreams and in The Jazz Singer with Peggy Lee.  Other movie credits include Big City and Call Me Mister.   Thomas's vision – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – opened its doors in 1962 in Memphis, Tennessee and is now recognized as one of the world’s premiere centers for research and treatment of cancer and other catastrophic diseases.  St. Jude has more than 4,000 active patients and sees 200 patients a day -- from across the United States and 60 foreign countries.  The cost of lodging, meals and transportation for the patient and a parent is covered by the hospital.  At St. Jude’s no child is ever turned away for their families’ inability to pay. Thomas' effort to realize his dream led to him receiving the congressional Medal of Honor.  Thomas was actively involved in St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital until he died of a heart attack in 1991.