Jim Jordan

James Edward Jordan, known as Jim Jordan, was a prominent American actor celebrated for his role as Fibber McGee in the iconic radio series *Fibber McGee and Molly*. Additionally, he lent his voice to the albatross Orville in Disney's beloved animated feature, *The Rescuers*. Jim began his career on the vaudeville circuit, performing solo and alongside his wife, Marian, until 1924. Their journey took a hard turn in 1923 when they faced financial ruin, relying on support from their parents to return home to Peoria after a stint in Lincoln, Illinois.

Their breakthrough in radio came in 1924 while performing in Chicago. After a bet with his brother Byron, Jim secured their first radio contract as The O'Henry Twins, earning $10 per show for a 26-week run, sponsored by Oh Henry! candy. The couple became a beloved comedy duo, rarely appearing separately, with Jim as the comedic foil and Marian as the straight woman.

From 1931 to 1935, they created the low-budget sitcom *Smackout*, showcasing their comedic talents. In 1935, they launched *Fibber McGee and Molly*, which rapidly gained popularity and became one of radio's most enduring programs, running until 1953. The show later transitioned to a pre-recorded format and then to a short series titled *Just Molly and Me*.

Despite the transition to television in 1959, the show suffered from a poor reception largely due to the recasting. Jim Jordan passed away on April 1, 1988, following a stroke, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and a lasting impact on American entertainment. He was laid to rest next to Marian in Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City.