Article updated: 9/11/2012 5:18 AM

S. Barrington man builds career on radio’s Golden Age

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Carl Amari of South Barrington hosts the nationally syndicated radio show "Hollywood 360" in the WIND 560-AM studios in Elk Grove Village. He's now branching out from classic radio to produce feature films in Hollywood.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

"Hollywood 360" radio host Carl Amari of South Barrington, with co-host Lisa Wolf, drinks lots of coffee for his 8 p.m. to midnight shift every Saturday at the WIND 560-AM studios in Elk Grove Village. The show airs on more than 180 radio stations across the country.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

"Hollywood 360" radio host Carl Amari of South Barrington talks with producer Scott McVeen and co-host Lisa Wolf during a recent Saturday night broadcast at the WIND 560-AM studio in Elk Grove Village.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Carl Amari, of South Barrington, and his co-host Lisa Wolf, do their nationally syndicated "Hollywood 360" radio show on Saturday night from the WIND AM-560 studios in Elk Grove Village.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Comedian George Burns and his wife, Gracie Allen, were among the popular radio stars in the golden age of radio. Carl Amari became friends with Burns, whom he described as his "mentor."

Photo courtesy of Carl Amari

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Actor Cary Grant was a popular radio star during the Golden Age of Radio.

Photo courtesy of Carl Amari

Carl Amari of South Barrington hosts the nationally syndicated radio show "Hollywood 360" in the WIND 560-AM studios in Elk Grove Village. He's now branching out from classic radio to produce feature films in Hollywood.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Carl Amari of South Barrington hosts the nationally syndicated classic radio and showbiz show, "Hollywood 360," during a Saturday night last month in the WIND AM-560 studios in Elk Grove Village. He's now branching out from classic radio to produce feature films in Hollywood.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

About this Article

Carl Amari wasn't alive when the Golden Age of Radio dominated the airwaves, but as a kid growing up in the 1970s, he was obsessed. "I made a shrine to classic radio in my basement with Jack Benny photos," said Amari, 48, of South Barrington. "My dad thought I was a really weird kid. He'd say 'Go play outside!' But when it became a business, he said, 'Hey, I like this.'" It became several business actually, as Amari hosts a nationally syndicated radio show and produces Hollywood movies.