Peoria Couple Dominated 20th-Century Airwaves

Jim and Marian Jordan rose from local performers to national radio stars with their hit show "Fibber McGee and Molly"

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Jim Jordan and Marian Driscoll, a married couple from Peoria, Illinois, found fame and success in the early days of radio. After meeting in their church choir, the pair honed their vaudeville act and eventually landed a long-running radio sitcom, "Fibber McGee and Molly," which became a national hit and ran for over 20 years. The show, which followed the misadventures of the McGee family, was known for its memorable characters and running gags, many of which were inspired by the Jordans' own Midwestern upbringing and Irish heritage.

Why it matters

The story of Jim and Marian Jordan highlights the rise of radio as a new entertainment medium in the early 20th century, as well as the enduring appeal of Midwestern sensibilities and humor. Their success paved the way for other radio stars and influenced the development of the sitcom format. The continued popularity of "Fibber McGee and Molly" also speaks to the lasting cultural impact of the golden age of radio.

The details

Jim Jordan and Marian Driscoll met as singers in the choir at St. John's Church in Peoria. Jim had previously performed with a group called "The Templeton Quartet" and toured the vaudeville circuit. After marrying in 1918, the couple continued to hone their act, which combined comedy, music, and wordplay. In 1924, they pitched their act to Peoria radio station WIBO, leading to 11 years of steady work. In 1935, they were picked up by NBC Radio for a new show, "Fibber McGee and Molly," which became a massive hit sponsored by S.C. Johnson. The show, which followed the misadventures of the McGee family in the fictional town of Wistful Vista, was known for its memorable characters and running gags.

  • Jim Jordan was born in 1896 and Marian Driscoll was born in 1898 in Peoria, Illinois.
  • The couple married in August 1918.
  • In 1924, Jim and Marian pitched their act to Peoria radio station WIBO.
  • In 1935, Jim and Marian were picked up by NBC Radio for the "Fibber McGee and Molly" show.
  • "Fibber McGee and Molly" ran for over 20 years, ending in 1959, two years after Marian's passing in 1961.

The players

Jim Jordan

A Peoria native born in 1896, Jim Jordan was one half of the husband-wife duo that created and starred in the hit radio sitcom "Fibber McGee and Molly." He had previously performed in a vaudeville act with his wife Marian.

Marian Driscoll

Marian Driscoll, born in 1898 in Peoria, was the other half of the Jordan duo that created and starred in "Fibber McGee and Molly." She was a skilled singer and musician who helped develop the couple's vaudeville act.

Don Quinn

Don Quinn was the writer who collaborated with the Jordans on the "Fibber McGee and Molly" radio show.

Walter Podrazik

Walter Podrazik is a media scholar and contributor to the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago who has studied the Jordans and their show.

Jack Fritscher

Jack Fritscher is a Peoria-born writer who grew up listening to "Fibber McGee and Molly" and was inspired by the Jordans' success.

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What they’re saying

“They were an overnight success long in the making.”

— Walter Podrazik, media scholar

“People all across America thought they knew Fibber McGee and Molly because 79 Wistful Vista seemed right down the street from everybody.”

— Jack Fritscher, writer

“They had that same Midwestern sensibility. That is, the ability to display a sense of humor and to look at everyday life as something special.”

— Walter Podrazik, media scholar

“That sense of Irish humor, that sense of Irish feeling of who you are as a funny thing.”

— Jack Fritscher, writer

The takeaway

The story of Jim and Marian Jordan's rise from local Peoria performers to national radio stars with "Fibber McGee and Molly" highlights the power of Midwestern humor and sensibilities to captivate audiences across America. Their enduring legacy as one of the most popular radio shows of the 20th century demonstrates the lasting cultural impact of the golden age of radio.