Who was Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen? To many, he was a successful broadcasting personality who competed against and was admired by television legends including Milton Berle and Lucille Ball. At his peak, 30 million Americans tuned in to watch his show, audience numbers that “Seinfeld” and “Friends” drew at their own height, numbers that only some NFL broadcasts can now boast. 

Throughout his television career, then-Bishop Sheen appeared on some of the best-known shows of their time, in addition to his own award-winning programs. Below is a sample of some of his most famous appearances. Click the title of each clip to view the segment.

The Friars Club Roast of Milton Berle (Airdate: Oct. 1, 1969)

On Oct. 1, 1969, Bishop Sheen was one of the first guests to take a few good-natured jabs at “Uncle Milty,” against whom the bishop had won his time slot when both were among the best-known early television stars. This clip includes Sheen’s famous quote about having better writers than Berle: “Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.” Bishop Sheen is introduced at about the 01:50 mark in this video.

What’s My Line? (Airdate: Oct. 21, 1956)

Bishop Sheen appeared as the mystery guest on “What’s My Line,” one of the most popular early game and interview shows, where a celebrity panel attempted to tease out the guest’s identity through a series of questions. Sheen gives most of his responses in French because his voice was simply too recognizable at the time.

Life Is Worth Living (Airdate: 1952)

In the final episode of his first television series’ first season, we see Bishop Sheen wearing his full episcopal vestments, writing on a chalkboard, and presenting material extemporaneously in a dramatic, theatrical style, all of which became hallmarks of this and his future shows. He rails against communism, which the bishop saw as an affront to God and a threat to the Church and the world.

The Fulton Sheen Program (Airdate: 1961-1968)

Like television in general, Bishop Sheen made the transition to color. Although the background has changed somewhat from the earlier iterations of his program, he continues to present in front of a live studio audience with no notes. “The Fulton Sheen Program” was a nationally syndicated show.

Firing Line With William F. Buckley (Recorded Jan. 6, 1970)

“[Bishop Sheen] is, in my opinion, the greatest preacher in English,” said conservative commentator, lifelong Catholic, and New York native William F. Buckley, introducing Bishop Sheen on his show, recorded in Jan. 1970. In addition to his own show, Bishop Sheen appeared regularly on public affairs programs to discuss matters of faith and policy, in this case joining the host of one of the longest-running interview shows in television history.

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