Leslie Smulian (later changed to Sullivan) was born on 11 April 1916 in England, United Kingdom.

[1] During World War II, he served in the Second Battalion of the Transvaal Scottish Regiment.

[1] Upon completing his military service, Sullivan returned to South Africa, and worked selling commercial properties for businessman J. H.

[1][2] Sullivan would arrive at the studio about 45 minutes before Radio Rhodesia went on air each morning, and would have a "power sleep," waking just before the show started.

[3][4] Between 6:00 and 6:30, news and the weather forecast were reported, then some music would play, and then Sullivan would go back on air.

[5] He would also commonly tell jokes, many of which had a radio quality (for example: "What do you call an African terrorist financed by Rowntrees Trust?

[1] He remained with the Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation until his retirement from radio in 1976, and was succeeded by Leslie McKenzie.