Longtime Philly sports radio overnight host Big Daddy Graham dies – NBC Sports Philadelphia
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 of its best people, and this city lost one of its cherished, most talented entertainers," morning show host Angelo Cataldi said to start his Thursday show, according to the radio station. 'We all here at WIP are devastated by the news."
WIP didn't reveal a cause of death, but Graham has battled health issues in recent years.
Born Edward Gudonis, Graham manned the early morning hours on WIP for about two decades, known for his humor and sports knowledge.
"Big Daddy was also known for his love of music, his stand-up comedy routines, the many books he wrote and 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."
I learned last night of the passing of my friend Big Daddy Graham. A gem of a man. A diamond in the rough. A funny, hard-working and quirky sweetheart of a guy with no filter. My pal, my co-author. We will all miss him.
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) September 9, 2021
NBC Sports Philadelphia and NBC10 sports anchor John Clark expressed his condolences and admiration for "a Philly treasure."
I wouldn’t have missed this. I loved Big Daddy. He always wanted to make you laugh and make you feel good about yourself. I am so heartbroken for his family. He is a Philly treasure. I love that man. #RIP 🙏🏼
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 9, 2021
Among those Graham leaves behind is his daughter, Ava Graham, who is part of the WIP radio family.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
