Here’s a story you’ve got to hear. On January 1, 1965, Soupy Sales learned a lesson he never forgot. During one of his beloved The Soupy Sales Show episodes, he jokingly asked kids to raid their parents’ wallets and send him the "little green pieces of paper." Now, Soupy didn’t mean any harm—this was just his quirky, out-of-the-box humor. But it didn’t sit well with everyone. The FCC took notice, and Soupy got a two-week suspension. Looking back, he realized something profound: “It was the first time I truly understood the power of television." It’s moments like these that shape legends.
From Franklinton to Fame: Soupy’s Journey
Born Milton Supman in Franklinton, North Carolina, Soupy wasn’t just a TV personality—he was a father, a mentor, and a man who lived life with purpose. His influence extended far beyond the screen, especially within his own family. “Dad instilled in me a strong work ethic,” shares his son Hunt Sales, who, alongside his brother Tony, later became a key part of David Bowie’s band, Tin Machine. “He raised me the way he was raised—no coddling, no spoiling. He made sure I knew the importance of values and integrity.”
How Soupy Became a Kids’ Icon
Soupy never set out to be a children’s entertainer, but when opportunity knocked, he answered with style. “They offered him a kids’ show, and he turned it into something magical,” says Hunt, now 65. Here's the kicker—Soupy didn’t dumb down his act for the little ones. He said it himself: “Once I realized adults were tuning in too, I never changed a thing. I played to everyone, not just one group.” That’s the genius of Soupy Sales—his humor transcended age and brought joy to all who tuned in.
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The Pie That Launched a Thousand Gags
Pie-throwing became Soupy’s signature move. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. “One time, a young fan threw a frozen pie at me,” Soupy once joked. “I hit the floor like a sack of potatoes!” The gag worked, though, and it made him a household name. People couldn’t get enough of the chaos and laughter Soupy brought to their screens.
A Life Beyond the Spotlight
Behind the scenes, Soupy’s home was a hub of entertainment. “All sorts of famous faces came through our doors, from Frank Sinatra to George ‘Goober’ Lindsey,” Hunt remembers fondly. But Soupy wasn’t one for the glitz and glam of Hollywood. “He wasn’t into the showbiz lifestyle,” Hunt explains. Instead, Soupy dedicated himself to his true passion—making people laugh.
Even after passing away in 2009 at the age of 83, Soupy’s legacy lives on. “My dad gave people joy,” Hunt says with pride. “In this world, that’s a big deal. People from all walks of life have told me how much they cherished his humor. He was a people person through and through, and he loved every second of what he did.”
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