Soupy Sales

Milton Supman, widely recognized as Soupy Sales, was an iconic American comedian, actor, and television personality celebrated for his unique blend of humor and slapstick comedy. He gained fame through his beloved children's television program, *Lunch with Soupy Sales*, which originally aired as *12 O'Clock Comics* before being rebranded as *The Soupy Sales Show*. This innovative series, which ran from the 1950s into the 1970s, featured a rapid succession of comedic sketches, gags, and puns, culminating in Sales’ signature routine of getting hit in the face with pies—an act he perfected over his career. He humorously claimed to have been hit by more than 20,000 pies, showcasing variations that included straight shots, sneaky ambushes, and even a frozen pie incident that left him momentarily stunned.

In addition to his children's program, Sales was a recurring panelist on the popular game show *What's My Line?* from 1968 to 1975 and made memorable appearances on various other game shows throughout his career. The 1980s saw him transition to radio, where he hosted his own show on WNBC-AM in New York City, further cementing his legacy in American entertainment. Alongside his comedic endeavors, Soupy Sales was known for his passion for jazz, which added another layer to his artistic identity. His influence on comedy and television continues to be felt today.