Herlihy began as a radio announcer in the 1930s, beginning in Boston before settling long-term in New York City. He announced for old-time radio series Vic and Sade, Inner Sanctum, several soap operas (including Just Plain Bill and Life Can Be Beautiful), and Dick Tracy, as well as hosting The Horn and Hardart Children's Hour. His association with Kraft began in 1947 on radio's The Kraft Music Hall (and included other shows such as The Falcon, which integrated the spots with Herlihy as the Miracle Whip-obsessed owner of Ed's Luncheonette). He moved with Kraft to television, notably assorted Perry Como projects, and remained their commercial voice-over announcer into the 1980s.