Jim Jordan, Marion Jordan, and the Creation of Fibber McGee & Molly

Fibber McGee & Molly: Radio's First Power Couple

Trivia: Each closet crash required 29 seconds of precisely timed sound effects!

Jim and Marion Jordan at NBC microphone in 1941, smiling while performing

From Vaudeville to Radio Royalty

Peoria natives Jim and Marion Jordan spent 15 years in vaudeville before their natural chemistry found its perfect medium on radio. Their 1935-1959 series Fibber McGee & Molly became NBC's longest-running comedy by blending:

  • Fibber's outrageous tall tales
  • Molly's patient but pointed comebacks
  • The legendary overstuffed closet (with its 18-object crash)
  • Wistful Vista's eccentric neighbors

Exclusive Audio Collection

📻 Original Episodes

🎧 Archive.org Collection

Classic 1940s broadcasts

🎤 Rare Interview

🎧 Jim Jordan Remembers

WTIC Golden Age Series

🎙️ Behind the Scenes:

"The closet gag was Marion's idea - she got tired of Jim actually leaving our attic door open!"
- Don Quinn interview, 1952

Why It Still Resonates

The show's magic came from authentic married life:

1

Real Arguments

Their on-air spats mirrored actual marital disagreements

2

Improvisation

Marion frequently ad-libbed Molly's best lines

3

Running Gags

Audiences loved anticipating the closet crash

Which classic radio couple should we profile next?

George Burns & Gracie Allen? Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz? Email your request!