Adam Wade was a singer and actor, as well as the first Black game show host in U.S. TV history.
- Died: July 7, 2022 (Who else died on July 7?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Montclair, New Jersey after battling Parkinson’s disease at the age of 87.
- We invite you to share condolences for Adam Wade in our Guest Book.
Multifaceted talent
Before Wade began his career as an entertainer, he worked as a lab assistant for Dr. Jonas Salk as he developed the polio vaccine. Later in the 1950s, Wade began to pursue a recording career, and he had hits first hit with the 1960 song “Ruby.” He followed its success with early ‘60s singles including “Take Good Care of Her,” “The Writing on the Wall,” and “As If I Didn’t Know.” Wade began acting in the mid-‘60s, making appearances on TV shows including “Tarzan,” “The F.B.I.,” and “Adam-12.” In 1975, he made TV history when he hosted the short-lived “Musical Chairs,” becoming the first Black host of a U.S. TV game show. Wade continued his acting career with a role in “Shaft” as well as several other movie roles and TV appearances including “Sanford and Son,” “Kojak,” “Good Times,” “Hill Street Blues,” and “Law & Order.” He also provided voices for the cartoon “The Super Globetrotters.”
Tributes to Adam Wade
Full obituary: The Hollywood Reporter
