Sean Hamilton
Sean "Hollywood" Hamilton is an American radio personality. On November 8, 2019 he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.[1] He can be heard live weekday afternoons on WKTU in New York City. On October 5, 2018 iHeartMedia announced a new long-term agreement with Hamilton. Robert Pittman (media executive), Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc stated “Hollywood Hamilton is one of the most loved, respected and recognized voices and names in radio, his unparalleled ability to connect with both listeners and music's biggest artists is a true representation of what makes radio the most powerful medium in the U.S."[2]
Sean "Hollywood" Hamilton
Early life[edit]
Hamilton was born and raised in both Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada. Both his parents were in show business; his father, Al, was the entertainment director for major Nevada hotels and casinos, and also a comedian who performed in those establishments. Hamilton's mother, April Ames, was a singer for Harry James, Sam Donahue, Buddy Rich, and others during the "big band" era. She made appearances on Johnny Carson and George Gobel television shows. Later, during the 1970s, she performed on the Nevada casino circuit with her own band, April Ames and The Dames. Hamilton got the nickname "Hollywood" when he was nine years old. Sitting backstage watching his father's Las Vegas show while wearing a suit and bow tie, one of his father's showgirls passed by, stopped, and called him "Little Hollywood".[3]
Personal life[edit]
Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton lives in New York City. He's been married to Marina Gachet for sixteen years and is the Chief Operating Officer for their media group. His daughter, Tay Hamilton grew up listening and learning about broadcasting from her father and is also now a mid-day radio personality in Las Vegas for 95.5 The Bull,[22] an iHeartRadio radio station.
Hamilton has begun writing a book based on his 40 years in radio and the evolution of the broadcast industry since he began in 1979.
On July 21, 2013, Hamilton alongside his wife Marina completed a six-day, 350-mile bike ride from Washington, D.C. to Pittsburgh to raise funds and awareness for Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping thousands of injured soldiers returning home from current conflicts and providing assistance to their families. Covering approximately 70 miles a day, the duo video blogged the entire journey on the donation site GoFundMe where they met their goal of $10,000.[23]
Controversy[edit]
In March 1999 Hamilton was fired from WKTU after setting up the husband of a woman employed by him to win a station contest. Hamilton was guilty of "overzealousness in loyalty", David Katz, Hamilton's agent released at the time. "Sean was attempting to reward a employee who had done a lot for him and the station. This wasn't for personal gain, and he wasn't trying to cover anything up. He asked the station about it both before and after he did it". Hamilton was immediately suspended following the event and returned to WKTU in August 2006 where he remains employed today.[24]