Jay Jostyn
American radio actor (1901–1976)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jay Jostyn (December 13, 1901[1][2] – June 25, 1976[3][4]) was an actor in the era of old-time radio. He is best known for portraying the title role in Mr. District Attorney on radio.[5] An article in Radio-TV Mirror in 1952 reported, "He is so generally believed to be a real life lawyer that he frequently receives mail from listeners inviting him to move to certain cities where they feel crimes are going unsolved."[6]
December 13, 1901
Jay Jostyn | |
|---|---|
Jostyn in 1939 | |
| Born | Eugene Josten December 13, 1901 Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Died | June 25, 1976 (aged 74) Los Angeles, California |
| Alma mater | Wisconsin Conservatory of Music |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Known for | Portraying the title role in Mr. District Attorney on radio |
| Spouse | Ruth Hill (1928– ?) |
| Children | 2 |
Early years
Jostyn was born Eugene Josten, the son of George and Mary Josten of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended St. Joseph's parochial school, Marquette Academy,[7] Marquette University,[8] and the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.[7]
Before going into acting full-time, he had a job with a telephone company.[9]
Stage
In 1948, Jostyn had the lead in a touring company that performed The Trial of Mary Dugan.[10] On Broadway, he played District Attorney McDonough in Deadfall (1955).[11]
Radio
Jostyn's career in radio began at WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio, when he was the first poetry reader for the station's late-night Moon River program.[12]
Jostyn's roles as a regular cast member included those shown in the table below.
| Program | Role |
|---|---|
| Foreign Assignment | Brian Barry[13] |
| Hilltop House | Frank Klabber[14] |
| The Life of Mary Sothern | Max Tilley[15] |
| Listen Carefully | Master of ceremonies[16] |
| Mr. District Attorney | District Attorney[17] |
| Our Gal Sunday | Jackie [18] |
| The Parker Family | Walter Parker[19] |
| Popeye, The Sailor | Captain Dick[20] |
| Second Husband | Ben Porter[21] |
| This Day Is Ours | Curt Curtis[21]: 336 . |
Jostyn was also in the casts of This Small Town,[22] Silver Theater,[23] The Top Guy,[24] and Mystery Man.[25]
Television
Jostyn's roles as a regular cast member included those show in the table below.
| Program | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. District Attorney | Paul Garrett[26] | |
| Night Court U.S.A. | The Judge[27] | |
| The Secret Storm | Dr. Hadley[28] | |
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents | Morgan | Season 4 Episode 3: "The Jokester" (1958) |
Jostyn also starred in Night Court U.S.A. a syndicated series that dramatized actual court cases.[29] Additionally, he was also seen in episodes of The Doctor,[30] and The Philco Television Playhouse.[31]
Other professional activities
In November 1943, Jostyn was elected to a one-year term as third vice-president of the New York local of the American Federation of Radio Artists.[32] In 1944, he was one of seven people elected to AFRA's national board.[33]
Personal life
On October 17, 1928, Jostyn married Ruth Hill in Pasadena, California. She was an actress whom he met when they performed together in a play. They had two sons, Jean Charles and Jon George.[34]
Death
Jostyn died June 25, 1976, in Los Angeles, California.[4]
