Joby Baker, Nightclub Entertainer and ‘Good Morning World’ Star, Dies at 92
Joby Baker, the versatile nightclub entertainer and painter known for his role as a drummer alongside Elvis Presley in Girl Happy and as a radio D.J. in the CBS sitcom Good Morning World, has passed away at the age of 92. Baker died on June 22 at a hospital in Yonkers, New York, as confirmed by his granddaughter, Sofia Silverman.
Early Career and Notable Roles
Baker’s career began under the management of renowned comedian Lou Costello. He made his film debut in The Last Angry Man (1959), appearing alongside Paul Muni in the actor’s final film. Baker also shared the screen with Jack Lemmon and Ricky Nelson in The Wackiest Ship in the Army (1960).
As a contract player for Columbia Pictures, Baker featured in several Gidget films, including Gidget (1959), Gidget Goes Hawaiian (1961), and Gidget Goes to Rome (1963), starring alongside Sandra Dee, Deborah Walley, and Cindy Carol.
Baker’s filmography also includes collaborations with singer-actress Connie Francis in Looking for Love (1964) and When the Boys Meet the Girls (1965). He played a musicians’ manager in the musical comedy Hootenanny Hoot (1963).
In Girl Happy (1965), set during spring break in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Baker portrayed Wilbur, a drummer in a band featuring Presley’s character Rusty Wells, Gary Crosby’s Andy, and Jimmy Hawkins’ Doc.
Transition to Television
Following the conclusion of The Dick Van Dyke Show in June 1966, CBS sought a replacement for Dick Van Dyke, ultimately selecting Baker for the role. This led to the creation of Good Morning World, which premiered in September 1967. The show featured Baker as Dave Lewis, alongside Ronnie Schell as Larry Clarke, hosts of a morning-drive radio program in Los Angeles. The series lasted one season, concluding after 26 episodes.
Baker expressed his initial reluctance regarding the show’s title, stating he urged the producers not to name it The Joby Baker Show, as he felt it would place too much responsibility on him.
Personal Life and Background
Joseph Baker was born in Montreal on March 26, 1934. Following the death of his mother during his early childhood, his father, affectionately nicknamed him “Jobela” and relocated them to Oahu, Hawaii. Baker narrowly escaped injury during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, when friendly fire struck their home. He and his stepmother evacuated to San Francisco aboard the RMS Aquitania.
After completing his education in New York City, Baker moved to Los Angeles, where he began a nightclub act that garnered attention for his impersonation of Jerry Lewis. During his service in the U.S. Army, he entertained troops and developed a friendship with Costello, who later became his manager.
Baker’s television career began as an NBC page, leading to his appearance on The Red Skelton Hour in 1952. His film debut came in Target Zero (1955), where he played an Army man.
Throughout his career, Baker appeared in various television series, including West Point, Dragnet, Bachelor Father, The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, Dr. Kildare, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and Perry Mason. He also had a recurring role as Pvt. Kelly on Combat!.
Artistic Pursuits and Later Life
In addition to his acting career, Baker pursued painting. He recalled an encounter with author Ray Bradbury, who, after visiting his art gallery, cast him in the play The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit. His performance in this production helped him secure a role in Good Morning World.
Baker’s contributions to film also include appearances in Disney productions such as The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin (1966), Blackbeard’s Ghost (1968), and Superdad (1974). He was a regular on other short-lived shows like Stone and The Six O’Clock Follies, and guest-starred in various series, including Alfred Hitchcock Presents, F Troop, Mannix, Medical Center, and Quincy M.E..
Baker is survived by his fourth wife, Megan; daughters Ricka and Michelle; son Scott; stepdaughters Emma and Eliza; and grandchildren Sofia, Amelia, Finn, Avery, Zach, and Monty. He was previously married to actress Joan Blackman from 1959 to 1961, Joyce Harriet Winter from 1961 to 1975, and lyricist Dory Previn from 1984 until her death in 2012.
Baker illustrated The Dory Previn Songbook, published in 1995, and contributed to several of her other books. Despite his varied career, he considered himself primarily a painter, expressing discomfort with the notion of stardom.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-07-04 19:33:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk