Bob Clayton (September 17, 1922 – January 2, 1979) was an American television personality and game‑show host, best known for his tenure as the host of the CBS daytime series Concentration from 1969 to 1973. His career in broadcasting spanned radio, television announcing, and various hosting duties throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Early life and education
Bob Clayton was born in New York City. Details about his family background, early education, and formative years are not extensively documented in publicly available sources.
Career
Radio and early television
Clayton began his career in the 1940s as a radio announcer, later transitioning to television as an announcer and occasional on‑air personality for CBS. He worked on a variety of programs, gaining experience as a live presenter and voice‑over artist.
Game‑show hosting
In 1969, Clayton succeeded the original host of Concentration, a popular word and picture puzzle game show, after the departure of its previous presenter. His personable style and quick wit contributed to the program’s continued popularity during a period of declining daytime ratings. He hosted the show until its cancellation in 1973.
Other television work
Beyond Concentration, Clayton occasionally served as a substitute host for other game shows, including The Price Is Right and Password. He also appeared as a panelist on talk shows and variety programs, though these appearances were sporadic.
Personal life
Clayton was married to actress and television producer Betty DeMille; the couple had two children. Information about his hobbies, political views, or other personal interests remains limited in the public record.
Death
Bob Clayton died of a heart attack on January 2, 1979, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 56.
Legacy
Although not as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries, Clayton’s contributions to the format and presentation of televised game shows are acknowledged by historians of American television. His tenure on Concentration is noted for maintaining audience engagement during a competitive era for daytime programming.