If you have watched Suspense, you may have asked,"who is Rex Marshall?" He is there, at every turn...
We know Rex as the happy Auto-Lite spokesperson with the calming, friendly voice. He introduces us to Auto-Lite's many fantastic products, he calms us when the suspense gets too intense, and he tells us stories that are accompanied by cute cartoons. He can solve all of our car problems. Where can you get a Rex Marshall of your own? You can't! He is only available in the world of Suspense.
Rex Marshall was born in Pemberton, New Jersey in 1919 and grew up in Utica, New York. He began his career as an announcer and program host in Boston in 1937. During WWII he was a pilot instructor for the Army Air Corps.
Aside from Suspense, Rex was the announcer of Blind Date, The Herman Hickman Show, Circuit Rider, and the Easter Parade of Stars Auto Show. He was one of the original staff announcers at the New York television station WPIX and the announcer for Jack Parr Show in 1957.
It is interesting to note that neither of his obituaries in the New York Times or the Boston Globe mention Suspense. According to the Boston Globe he was best known for his regular commercial appearances on the early 1950's television show, Mr. Peepers.
Rex was the spokesperson for the Reynolds Aluminum Company for twenty-five years but also worked for Maxwell House Coffee and Esso Gasoline. In 1969 he became the owner, president and general manager of radio station WNHV in White River Juntion, Vermont. Sadly, he died of a heart attack in 1983.
In his personal life, Rex was married and had four children. According to his biography on imdb.com: "It was a great privilege for broadcasters to work for this always sharply dressed, superbly well spoken, tall, elegant gentleman."
We believe it.
