Jerry Lester, Early TV Late-Show Host

MIAMI - Jerry Lester, a host of the early '50s TV show "Broadway Open House," the forerunner of the "Tonight Show," died after a long illness. He was 85.

Lester died Thursday at a nursing home, said his wife, Alice. He had suffered from Alzheimer's disease for several years.

"Broadway Open House," a vaudeville-style mixture of music and jokes, ran for 15 months on NBC in 1950-51, becoming the first network late-night show.

Lester was host three nights a week, splitting the chores with comic Morey Amsterdam. Amsterdam went on to TV fame on "The Dick Van Dyke Show."

NBC later refined the late-night concept, and "Tonight" premiered in 1954.

Lester also was a regular on the '50s game show "Pantomime Quiz," and other variety shows like "Saturday Night Dance Party" and "Cavalcade of Stars."

Lester worked with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and others in various comedy shows during his radio days, Mrs. Lester said. He was also part of Don Ameche's weekly program for several years.

He performed off and on until 10 years ago. At a New Year's Eve performance at a Miami hotel, he forgot his lines because of Alzheimer's.

"He was my sweet Valentine, my comic Valentine," said Mrs. Lester, who married him in 1950. "Half of my life just left me

yesterday."