Kenneth Niles was born in Livingston, Montana. He was an American radio announcer who began a series of original dramas called Theater of the Mind in 1928, which played an important role in the development of radio drama throughout the 1920s. During the 1930s he produced and assisted with the hosting of actress-cum-gossip columnist Louella Parsons’ talent and interview program Hollywood Hotel. Parsons and Niles later appeared in a 1937 feature film based on the show. Niles subsequently narrated, or served as announcer, in several other feature films. His most notable film role was the murdered lawyer Leonard Eels in Out of the Past (1947) with Robert Mitchum.

Niles also served as commercial announcer and foil for Bing Crosby in the Bing Crosby Entertains series (1933-1935) and also on several series sponsored by Camel Cigarettes, notably that starring Abbott and Costello. Niles was frequently paired in comedy skits opposite Elvia Allman as his fictitious wife Mrs. Niles. Niles was also the announcer for The Amazing Mrs. Danberry.

For his work in radio, he received a “Star” on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.