Phil Baker

Phil Baker (August 26, 1896 – November 30, 1963) was a popular American comedian and emcee on radio, where he hosted a number of shows. Arguably, his most famous hosting gig was Take It or Leave It, a quiz show that eventually became The $64,000 Question. Baker was also a vaudeville actor who appeared on Broadway a number of times, a songwriter who composed a number of songs, and author. He appeared in a small number films, usually as himself.

Phil Baker in Joe Steele
Phil Baker began hosting the radio quiz show Take It or Leave It before Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in December, 1941.

In early 1946, when Lazar Kagan asked Charlie Sullivan what he knew about uranium, Sullivan recited his admittedly modest knowledge, and then asked Kagan, "How'd I do, Mr. Baker?"