Big Daddy Graham — the beloved Philadelphia sports talk radio host, author, and comedian who ushered graveyard shifters through the ups and downs of fandom and life — has died, SportsRadio 94WIP said Thursday morning.
“WIP lost one among its best people, and this city lost one among its cherished, most talented entertainers,” morning show host Angelo Cataldi said to start out his Thursday show, consistent with the station. ‘We all here at WIP are devastated by the news.” WIP didn’t reveal an explanation for death, but Graham has battled health issues in recent years.
Born Edward Gudonis, Graham manned the first morning hours on WIP for about 20 years, known for his humor and sports knowledge. “Big Daddy was also known for his love of music, his stand-up comedy routines, the various books he wrote and therefore the television shows he stared on,” WIP said. He even at one point did a segment on NBC10 News.
Longtime colleague Glen Macnow remembered his friend as “a gem of a man” who was sweet and had “no filter.” NBC Sports Philadelphia and NBC10 sports anchor John Clark expressed his condolences and admiration for “a Philly treasure.” Among those Graham leaves behind is his daughter, Ava Graham, who is a component of the WIP radio family.
