Mindful Moments
On his show, Ed Sullivan did a lot to bring attention to more serious and significant issues in addition to introducing some of the biggest and best acts in the entertainment business. Joshua Logan, a Broadway director, was invited by Sullivan to appear on his show in 1953 and talk candidly about his experiences with mental illness and his time spent in a psychiatric facility. One of the most significant events in Sullivan’s career, this episode significantly increased awareness of mental illness in America. And Sullivan’s groundbreaking show did more good than just that for the world.
Fighting Prejudice
In his early years as a high school athlete, Sullivan frequently played with individuals of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. This gave him a profound understanding of the value of acceptance and inclusion, which he worked hard to incorporate into his program despite opposition from some TV executives at the time. For instance, in spite of opposition and criticism, Sullivan was one of the few hosts to feature Black entertainers on his program. The Supremes, James Brown, and Louis Armstrong were among the acts that Sullivan featured during his tenure, helping to launch their careers and pave the way for them to become musical legends.