James Edward Jordan, known as Jim Jordan, was a prominent American actor celebrated for his role as Fibber McGee in the iconic radio series *Fibber McGee and Molly*. Additionally, he lent his voice to the albatross Orville in Disney's beloved animated feature, *The Rescuers*. Jim began his career on the vaudeville circuit, performing solo and alongside his wife, Marian, until 1924. Their journey took a hard turn in 1923 when they faced financial ruin, relying on support from their parents to return home to Peoria after a stint in Lincoln, Illinois.
Their breakthrough in radio came in 1924 while performing in Chicago. After a bet with his brother Byron, Jim secured their first radio contract as The O'Henry Twins, earning $10 per show for a 26-week run, sponsored by Oh Henry! candy. The couple became a beloved comedy duo, rarely appearing separately, with Jim as the comedic foil and Marian as the straight woman.
From 1931 to 1935, they created the low-budget sitcom *Smackout*, showcasing their comedic talents. In 1935, they launched *Fibber McGee and Molly*, which rapidly gained popularity and became one of radio's most enduring programs, running until 1953. The show later transitioned to a pre-recorded format and then to a short series titled *Just Molly and Me*.
Despite the transition to television in 1959, the show suffered from a poor reception largely due to the recasting. Jim Jordan passed away on April 1, 1988, following a stroke, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and a lasting impact on American entertainment. He was laid to rest next to Marian in Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City.
Their breakthrough in radio came in 1924 while performing in Chicago. After a bet with his brother Byron, Jim secured their first radio contract as The O'Henry Twins, earning $10 per show for a 26-week run, sponsored by Oh Henry! candy. The couple became a beloved comedy duo, rarely appearing separately, with Jim as the comedic foil and Marian as the straight woman.
From 1931 to 1935, they created the low-budget sitcom *Smackout*, showcasing their comedic talents. In 1935, they launched *Fibber McGee and Molly*, which rapidly gained popularity and became one of radio's most enduring programs, running until 1953. The show later transitioned to a pre-recorded format and then to a short series titled *Just Molly and Me*.
Despite the transition to television in 1959, the show suffered from a poor reception largely due to the recasting. Jim Jordan passed away on April 1, 1988, following a stroke, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and a lasting impact on American entertainment. He was laid to rest next to Marian in Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City.
