John Conte

RANCHO MIRAGE, California (AP) -- Actor John Conte, who worked in television, radio, films and on Broadway for decades before going behind the cameras and founding his own television station, has died at age 90. Conte died Monday afternoon at Eisenhower Medical Center of natural causes, said hospital spokeswoman Lee Fowler. "John Conte was a dear friend and entertainment legend who excelled in radio and cinema, on Broadway, and as a television producer," U.S. Rep. Mary Bono said in a statement issued Tuesday. Born in 1915 in Palmer, Massachusetts, Conte was a permanent cast member in the companies of George Burns and Gracie Allen, Edward G. Robinson and "The Silver Theater." He appeared in numerous TV shows, including episodes of "The Untouchables," "Perry Mason," "Bonanza," "Your Show of Shows" and "Studio One." He also appeared in "The Carpetbaggers" and the classic Frank Sinatra film "The Man with the Golden Arm." In radio, Conte was the singing master of ceremonies on the "Maxwell House Show." He also appeared in numerous Broadway productions, including "Windy City," "Carousel" and "The Pursuit of Happiness," and was the host of many live productions for NBC's "Matinee Theater," one of the first daytime shows on network television. Conte has stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and outside the Desert Museum on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. In the Palm Springs-Rancho Mirage area, he is likely best known for founding the local NBC affiliate, KMIR-TV, in 1968. He sold the station in 1999. Conte is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Sirpuhe Philibosian Conte, a son, two daughters and six grandchildren.