C. C. Courtney
| C. C. Courtney (New Orleans radio announcer, (Casually shown in 1988 with (Click to enlarge) | |||
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| Born | 1939 Ruston, Louisiana Resident of New York City | ||
| Died | June 17, 2025 (aged 85) Asheville, North Carolina | ||
| Spouse | Helen Lindberg Courtney (married 2005-2025) One son: | ||
C. C. Courtney (1939-June 17, 2025) was a radio personality for WNOE, a 50,000-watt station in New Orleans, Louisiana, owned by former Governor James A. Noe. He was also an award-winning playwright, and actor,[1] He died of cancer at the age of eighty-five in Asheville, North Carolina, where he had spent his later years.[2]
Born in Ruston, Louisiana, C. C. (what his initials stood for is unknown) had charisma, a rich voice, and wit. He was widely called the "Duke of the Dial in Dixie.[1] A popular performer, he was also in demand as a master of ceremonies for local and touring acts of the day, including Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Jerry Lee Lewis, and The Beatles. His fans often gathered to chase him through the streets of New Orleans at the conclusion of his broadcasts.[2]
In 1965, actor Steve McQueen encouraged him to study acting with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, New York. After graduating from the Neighborhood Playhouse, he starred in 128 episodes from 1968 to 1969 as Jody Lee Bronson on the NBC former daytime soap opera, The Doctors.[3] He co-authored the 1969 off Broadway rock musical, "Salvation." As a songwriter he made the Billboard Top 10 and won the 1970 Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Musical Writer. Courtney worked in film, television, theater, and publishing. He also earned two Master of Fine Arts degrees before returning to teach acting for eight years at the Neighborhood Playhouse.[2]
He is survived by his wife, the former Helen Lindberg, also a performance artist,[4]and son, Kat Courtney, of Eureka, Montana.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 New Orleans Radio Shrine: Tribute - C. C. Courtney, accessed August 23, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 C.C. Courtney Obituary | 1939 - 2025 | The Times-Picayune, accessed August 20, 2025.
- ↑ C.C. Courtney - IMDb, accessed August 23, 2025.
- ↑ Alum spotlight: Helen Lindberg (B.F.A.’91) and C.C. Courtney (M.F.A.’91) - VCUarts, accessed August 23, 2025.
