On this date in 1955, The Millionaire anthology series premiered on CBS. Produced by Don Fedderson and Fred Henry, it explored the ways that sudden and unexpected wealth changed life, for better or worse. The episodes were more often dramatic than comedic. The premise is lifted from past Hollywood movies, 1932's If I Had A Million perhaps the earliest. The series opened up endless story variations. For viewers, it was a Hollywood who's who of guest stars wanting to be on the popular five-season hit.
The stories revolved around those given one million dollars from a benefactor who insists he remains anonymous. The benefactor was John Beresford Tipton (voiced by character actor and voice artist, Paul Frees) who was never seen with the exception of his outstretched arm to give the cashier's check to Michael Anthony, his executive secretary. Tipton died a few years prior so the stories were told in flashback, as if from Anthony's case files. There might be stipulations on how the money should be spent. It was Anthony's job to deliver that check to its intended recipient. The character is rarely seen after this. Michael Anthony was played by veteran character actor and radio and television announcer, Marvin Miller (above).
