Long before viral videos and TikTok clips captured kids’ unfiltered honesty, there was Art Linkletter — a calm, sharp-witted host who knew that the best entertainment often came from simply listening to children. His iconic TV segment, “Kids Say the Darndest Things,” became a cultural phenomenon, proving that kids don’t just speak their minds… they steal the show.
Who Was Art Linkletter? A Quick Snapshot
Art Linkletter was born on July 17, 1912, and rose from a tough early childhood to become one of America’s most beloved radio and TV personalities. He hosted several hit programs, but his greatest legacy came from how he connected with everyday people — especially kids. Linkletter had an uncanny ability to make children feel comfortable, encouraging them to speak freely and honestly. The results were pure gold.
His interviewing style was warm, patient, and deceptively simple. He asked small questions that led to big laughs, and he always treated children with genuine respect. That emotional intelligence helped him stay on the air for more than 40 years, cementing his reputation as a trusted and admired figure in American broadcasting.
The Magic Behind “Kids Say the Darndest Things”
The segment first appeared on Linkletter’s long-running show “House Party,” which began on radio in 1945 and later moved to television. Each episode featured a group of kids sitting beside him as he asked questions about family life, school, dreams, and everyday situations.
The charm came from the unexpected.
Children responded with total honesty — sometimes adorable, sometimes awkward, always hilarious.
Some classic moments included:
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A little boy explaining that his family dog “knows he’s not allowed on the couch, so he only sits on Daddy.”
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A girl proudly announcing that her mom “doesn’t burn dinner anymore… because Dad cooks now.”
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Linkletter’s most famous line after a shocking or silly answer:
“Kids say the darndest things!”
The segment became so popular that Linkletter published several best-selling books featuring children’s quotes and stories from the show.
Linkletter’s Lasting Influence
Art Linkletter paved the way for modern family-friendly entertainment. The show’s format later inspired the 1990s revival with Bill Cosby and the more recent reboot hosted by Tiffany Haddish. But the heart of the idea — giving kids space to speak their minds — started with him.
Even today, teachers, parents, and content creators reference the Linkletter tradition: let kids talk, keep it genuine, and the humor takes care of itself.
Why It Still Matters to Hoosiers (and to Indy Chicken Soup)
Here in Indiana, where family, humor, and storytelling remain part of our everyday culture, Linkletter’s style of entertainment still resonates. It reminds us of simpler times — when families gathered around the TV, shared a laugh, and felt connected.
For Indy Chicken Soup, his legacy fits perfectly with what we celebrate:
community, nostalgia, and the little things in life that bring warmth and joy.
Art Linkletter didn’t just host a show —
he helped America laugh together.
And sometimes, that’s the kind of wholesome reminder we all need.
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