What 's My Line ? is a panel game show that originally ran in the United States on the CBS Television Network from 1950 to 1967 , with several international versions and subsequent U.S. revivals . The game requires celebrity panelists to question a contestant in order to determine his or her occupation , i.e. , `` line ( of work ) , '' with panelists occasionally being called on to identify a celebrity `` mystery guest '' with specificity . It is the longest - running U.S. primetime network television game - show . Moderated by John Daly and with panelists Dorothy Kilgallen , Arlene Francis , and Bennett Cerf , What 's My Line ? won three Emmy Awards for `` Best Quiz or Audience Participation Show '' in 1952 , 1953 , and 1958 and the Golden Globe for Best TV Show in 1962 .

Question: who was the original host of what's my line
Answer: John Daly