Ed Sullivan was an American television host and entertainment writer best known as the creator and host of the variety show 'The Ed Sullivan Show.' Airing from 1948 to 1971, his program became a Sunday night institution and was one of the longest-running variety shows in U.S. broadcast history. Sullivan was a pioneer of television, introducing a wide range of performers to a national audience, including groundbreaking acts like Elvis Presley and The Beatles. His reserved on-stage persona became an iconic part of his appeal, famously promising audiences a 'really big show.'