Biography

Very well known as an 'Old Time Radio' actor. A regular on such shows as "Gunsmoke", "Dragnet" and "Let George Do It", he was also the announcer on the final Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce run of "The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" in 1945-1946.

Graduated from Rice University in 1933. Attended Harvard Business School and then worked for a while in retail. His first steady radio job was as a disc jockey with station KFWB, located on the Warner Brothers lot. He simultaneously studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Harry was an advanced photographer. He used a view camera, and had a darkroom at his home in North Hollywood, California.

Had a son, Bill Bartell.

In the 1960's, Harry Bartell worked for the CBS Radio Network as the announcer on the 2-minute weekday segment, "Dear Abby". The five CBS Owned-and-Operated Radio stations and the network's many affiliates nationwide had the option of airing the segments at whatever time during the day they chose, as long as they ran them with the included Network commercial.