John Henry Faulk
John Henry Faulk was an influential figure in American media, known for his work as a radio host, television personality, and civil rights advocate. Born to liberal parents, he earned a master’s degree in American folklore from the University of Texas and served in the military during World War II. Faulk began his radio career in 1946 and gained prominence with his show on WCBS, where he entertained audiences with his storytelling and wit. His progressive political views led him to support various liberal causes, including Henry Wallace's presidential campaign in 1948.
In the 1950s, Faulk became embroiled in a significant legal battle after being blacklisted due to accusations of communist sympathies, which he vigorously contested. He filed a lawsuit against AWARE, Inc., a group that sought to investigate alleged communist ties in the entertainment industry, ultimately winning a landmark $3.5 million judgment in 1962. This case highlighted the broader issue of blacklisting in Hollywood and the impact it had on artists. Following his legal triumph, Faulk resumed his career, wrote a memoir titled "Fear on Trial," and became a sought-after speaker on First Amendment rights. He later appeared on the popular television show "Hee Haw" and performed a one-man show, further solidifying his legacy in American culture.
Subject Terms
John Henry Faulk
Folklorist
- Born: August 21, 1913
- Birthplace: Austin, Texas
- Died: April 9, 1990
- Place of death: Austin, Texas
Identification: Television personality and author
Significance: Faulk was blacklisted during the 1950’s and won a major libel suit against the organization that accused him of communist sympathies
Faulk was born to liberal-minded parents and received a master’s degree in American folklore from the University of Texas. He served in the Red Cross and the Army during World War II, then started a career in radio in 1946. Faulk was a supporter of Henry Wallace’s 1948 presidential campaign and other liberal causes. In 1949 he hosted a daily radio show on WPAT in Paterson, New Jersey, moving in 1951 to WCBS, where for six years he hosted the The John Henry Faulk Show. He also appeared on many early television talk programs.
Faulk became active in the New York local of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) in 1955. AFTRA was a union that represented television and radio artists. In December, 1955, Faulk won election as vice president of AFTRA’s New York local. In February, 1956, an organization called AWARE, Inc., issued a bulletin claiming that Faulk was sympathetic to communism. AWARE was a private company that investigated and “cleared” members of the entertainment industry of suspected communist ties. Faulk filed suit against the company in June, 1956, retaining the famed attorney Louis Nizer as his lawyer. However, Faulk soon lost his job at Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) radio and was unable to find work in the entertainment industry for several years. The suit dragged through the courts for years, but on June 28, 1962, Faulk was awarded $3.5 million by a New York jury. His suit established that blacklisting occurred throughout the entertainment industry.
Soon after the trial, Faulk returned to radio and television appearances. In 1964 he wrote Fear on Trial, a memoir of his legal battles. A television movie based on the book was aired on CBS in 1975. From 1975 to 1980, Faulk was a regular member of the television show Hee Haw. Known for his folksy wit and storytelling, he later lectured on the First Amendment to college audiences and performed in a one-man show entitled Pear Orchard.