He has been active in many charities, receiving recognition for his work with National Easter Seal Week, National Heart Week, National Cancer Week, the National Arthritis Foundation, the Foster Parents Plan and Goodwill Industries. He was born Arthur Gordon Kelly in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and was adopted at a young age. He was raised in a retirement home in San Diego, California. Originally planning to be a college professor, Linkletter earned a bachelor's degree in English and psychology from San Diego State College. During his senior year, a CBS affiliate offered him a radio announcer position, which was the start of his long career in show business.
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