Ken Niles

Who was Ken Niles?

Ken Niles was an American radio announcer. He was married to Nadia Niles, and had two children named Kenneth Niles and Denise Niles. His brother, Wendell Niles, was also a radio announcer.

Niles played an important role in the development of radio drama throughout the 1920s. "Mr. Niles began a series of original radio dramas called Theater of the Mind in 1928." During the 1930s, he produced and assisted with the hosting of actress-cum-gossip columnist Louella Parsons' talent and interview program Hollywood Hotel. Parsons and Niles later appeared in a 1937 feature film based on the show. Niles subsequently narrated, or served as announcer, in several other feature films. He served as commercial announcer and foil on several series sponsored by Camel Cigarettes, notably that starring Abbott and Costello. Niles was frequently paired in comedy skits opposite Elvia Allman as his fictitious wife Mrs Niles.

For his work in radio, he received a "Star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as did his brother, making them the first brothers to be so honored.