Who Is Casey Kasem? Age, Biography and Wiki
Casey Kasem, born on April 27, 1932, was an influential American disc jockey, actor, and radio personality. Widely recognized for his charming voice and engaging storytelling, he became a household name through his iconic radio shows, most notably "American Top 40.” Casey's unique ability to connect with listeners earned him numerous accolades and a place in the hearts of fans worldwide. His legacy continues to inspire new generations even after his passing in June 2014.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 27, 1932 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 15 June, 2014 |
| Died Place | Gig Harbor, Washington, U.S. |
Popularity
Casey Kasem's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific physical measurements for Casey Kasem may not be readily available in 2025, he was known for his tall and lean stature during his career. Standing at approximately 6 feet tall, he maintained a charismatic presence both on and off the air. His weight fluctuated throughout his life, but he was generally seen as a healthy individual, particularly during his active years in broadcasting.
Nightly features included Kasem labeling songs as "...of the night", with random phrases or names as a descriptor.
The payola scandal which enveloped Alan Freed's career emerged after Kasem joined WJW; in response, Kasem began a regular comedy bit called the "Payola Tune of the Night" which WJW management encouraged under the assumption it would dissuade listeners from thinking he was under investigation as well.
Ultimately, Kasem's career was not negatively impacted by the payola scandal. One notable stunt involved Kasem and Diana Trask engaging in an 85-second-long kiss for a "world record" distinction on September 14, 1959, with his news reader describing the kiss on-air.
While hosting Cleveland Bandstand, Kasem started to take pep pills to lose weight; one day he forgot them while en route to the station, with the resulting pang of conscience after retrieving them from his apartment prompting him to give up the habit entirely.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Casey Kasem had several significant relationships. He was married three times. His most notable and enduring marriage was to Jean Kasem, whom he wed in 1980. Together, they had a daughter, Kerri Kasem, who followed in her father's footsteps into the entertainment industry. Following Casey's passing, the family dynamics gained media attention due to disputes over his care. As of 2025, Casey Kasem’s legacy lives on through his children and the impact he made on radio and television.
He was named after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk whom his father respected. Kasem's parents did not allow their children to speak Arabic and insisted that they assimilate into American life.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2014, Casey Kasem was estimated to have a net worth of around $80 million, primarily derived from his prolific radio career and various television appearances. His earnings stemmed from his successful shows, voice acting, and appearances in commercials. It's important to note, however, that his estate has been the subject of legal disputes, which may have influenced the value of his net worth over the years since his passing.
Career, Business and Investments
Casey Kasem launched his career in the 1950s, becoming a notable figure in radio broadcasting. His work on "American Top 40" revolutionized the way music was presented on the radio, marrying news and storytelling to create a unique listening experience. Beyond radio, he lent his voice to numerous animated characters, including Shaggy in the iconic "Scooby-Doo" franchise. Kasem also ventured into television with programming that celebrated pop culture, further solidifying his status as a media maven. His investments and business ventures included production companies and various endorsements through the years.
In the 1940s, the radio show Make Believe Ballroom reportedly inspired Kasem to pursue a career as a radio disc jockey. He received his first experience in radio covering sports at Northwestern High School in Detroit.
He then attended Wayne State University, where he voiced children on radio programs such as The Lone Ranger and Challenge of the Yukon. In 1952, he was drafted into the Army and sent to Korea where he worked as a disc jockey and announcer on the American Forces Korea Network (AFKN).
Social Network
Although Casey Kasem is no longer with us, his influence remains alive on social media. Fans and family members honor his legacy by sharing memories and tributes across platforms like Facebook and Twitter. There are also numerous fan pages dedicated to celebrating his contributions to music and broadcasting. His daughter, Kerri Kasem, continues to engage with fans and promote her father's legacy through various platforms, ensuring that Casey's impact resonates with future generations.
In the late 1970s, Kasem portrayed an actor who imitated Columbo in the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries two-part episode "The Mystery of the Hollywood Phantom." He portrayed a golf commentator in an episode of Charlie's Angels titled "Winning is for Losers", and appeared on Police Story, Quincy, M.E. and Switch.
In 1977, Kasem was hired as the narrator for the ABC sitcom Soap, but quit after the pilot episode because of the show's controversial content. Rod Roddy took his place on the program. For a period from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, he was the staff announcer for the NBC television network.
In 1984, Kasem made a voice cameo in Ghostbusters, reprising his role as the host of American Top 40.
Education
Casey Kasem attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied radio and television. His education laid the groundwork for his illustrious career in broadcasting, providing him with the skills and knowledge necessary to captivate audiences. His passion for media and storytelling propelled him to become an influential figure in the entertainment world, inspiring countless talents along the way.
