Although Tallulah often made fun of television on her radio program The Big Show, she soon succumbed to the new medium when lucrative offers began to pour in. Her most famous tv appearance has to be when she guest-starred on The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour (right).

 

Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball and Tallulah Bankhead in "The Lucille Ball/Desi Arnaz Comedy Hour"

 

Notable television appearances:

All Star Revue (NBC, 1952-53) - Tallulah hosted this variety show for one season, alternating with other guest hosts.

The Milton Berle Show (NBC, Sept. 29 & Nov. 3, 1953) - Tallulah guest starred on two shows.

The U.S. Steel Hour (ABC, Jan. 5, 1954) - Tallulah starred in
Hedda Gabler with Eugenia Rawls and Luther Adler.

The Colgate Comedy Hour (NBC, Feb. 7, 1954) - Tallulah and Carol Channing were guests.

The Martha Raye Show (NBC, Sept. 20, 1955) - Tallulah appeared in a sketch with Martha and Rocky Graziano.

Schlitz Playhouse of Stars (CBS, Nov. 8, 1957) - Tallulah starred in The Hole Card.

The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Comedy Hour (CBS, Dec. 3, 1957) - Tallulah appeared as herself in The Celebrity Next Door (for more information, see Biography).

The General Electric Theatre (CBS, Dec. 8, 1957) - Tallulah starred in Eyes of a Stranger.

What's My Line? (CBS, Feb 12, 1961 and June 6, 1965) - Tallulah was the mystery guest.

The Jack Paar Show (NBC, 1958-61) - Tallulah appeared on several episodes.

The U.S. Steel Hour (CBS, May. 5, 1962) - Tallulah starred in A Man For Oona.

The Tonight Show (NBC, 1962-65) - Tallulah appeared on several episodes.

The Mike Douglas Show (Group W, Oct. 11-15, 1965) - Tallulah was guest host for one week.

The Red Skelton Show (CBS, Dec. 14, 1965) - Tallulah danced with Red Skelton.

Batman (NBC, March 15-16, 1967) - Tallulah played the infamous "Black Widow" in a two part episode.

The Merv Griffin Show (Group W, 1967-68) - Tallulah appeared on several episodes.

The Tonight Show (NBC, May 14, 1968) - Tallulah's last television appearance.

For a complete list of television credits, see Tallulah Bankhead: A Bio-Bibliography by Jeffrey Carrier.