"The Life of Riley" was a popular American radio situation comedy that aired from 1944 to 1951.
The show centered on the everyday struggles and humorous predicaments of Chester A. Riley, a lovable but often clueless blue-collar worker (originally an aircraft plant riveter). Riley lived in Brooklyn, New York, with his sensible wife, Agnes (later Peg), and their two children, Junior and Babs.
William Bendix starred in the title role of Chester A. Riley, a part he would later reprise in a successful television series. Other key cast members included Paula Winslowe as Peg Riley, John Brown (who famously played both Riley's friend Gillis and the morbidly funny undertaker Digby "Digger" O'Dell), Grace Coppin, and Lanny Rees and Barbara Ellis as the children.
The show was known for its relatable characters, witty writing, and Riley's frequent malapropisms and his memorable catchphrase, "What a revoltin' development this is!"
"The Life of Riley" was a significant success and helped popularize the sitcom format. Its popularity led to a 1949 feature film and two television adaptations, the second of which, starring William Bendix, was particularly long-running and successful.
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