Names/Durwood/Durwood Kirby
EntertainmentAmerican1910 – 2000

Durwood Kirby

Television announcer on 'Password' game show

Biography

Durwood Kirby (1910-2000) was an American television personality, actor, and game show announcer who became a familiar voice and face to American audiences across multiple decades. He is best remembered as the announcer and occasional sidekick on the immensely popular game show 'Password,' which he worked on from its debut in 1961 through its various iterations including 'Password Plus.' Kirby's warm, articulate announcing style and occasional comedic moments made him beloved by viewers. Before his game show fame, he appeared in films and television programs, but it was his long association with 'Password' that defined his career and made him a recognizable television institution. His tenure on the show spanned nearly two decades, during which 'Password' became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most successful game shows in television history. Kirby represented the golden age of American television game shows and remained active in the industry well into his later years.

The Name Durwood

Durwood is an uncommon American name that achieved modest recognition through Durwood Kirby's prominent television career, representing mid-20th-century American entertainment culture.

Quick Facts
Category

Entertainment

Nationality

American

Born

1910

Died

2000

Thinking about the name

Durwood

English origin

Constructed from 'Dur-' plus 'wood,' this name evokes the English tradition of nature-inspired place names and suggests a connection to forests or wooded estates. It carries a rustic, grounded quality with the charm of early American frontier naming. The name projects quiet strength and a connection to the natural world.

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