Groucho Marx
Julius Henry "Groucho" Marx (/ˈɡraʊtʃoʊ/; October 2, 1890 – August 19, 1977) was an American comedian, actor, writer, and singer who performed in film and vaudeville and on television, radio, and the stage.[1] He was a master of quick wit and is considered one of America's greatest comedians.[2]
"Groucho" redirects here. For other uses, see Groucho (disambiguation).Groucho Marx
Julius Henry Marx
October 2, 1890
New York City, NY, U.S.
August 19, 1977 (aged 86)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Film
- television
- stage
- radio
- music
1905–1976
-
Ruth Johnson(m. 1920; div. 1942)
-
Kay Marvis Gorcey(m. 1945; div. 1951)
- Chico Marx (older brother)
- Harpo Marx (older brother)
- Gummo Marx (younger brother)
- Zeppo Marx (younger brother)
- Al Shean (maternal uncle)
He made 13 feature films as a team with his brothers, who performed under the name the Marx Brothers, of whom he was the third born. He also had a successful solo career, primarily on radio and television, most notably as the host of the game show You Bet Your Life.[1]
His distinctive appearance, carried over from his days in vaudeville, included quirks such as an exaggerated stooped posture, spectacles, cigar, and a thick greasepaint mustache (later a real mustache) and eyebrows. These exaggerated features resulted in the creation of one of the most recognizable and ubiquitous novelty disguises, known as Groucho glasses: a one-piece mask consisting of horn-rimmed glasses, a large plastic nose, bushy eyebrows and mustache.[3]
Career[edit]
Vaudeville[edit]
Marx started his career in vaudeville in 1905 when he joined up with an act called The Leroy Trio.[10] He answered a newspaper want ad by a man named Robin Leroy who was looking for a boy to join his group as a singer. Marx was hired along with fellow vaudeville actor Johnny Morris. Through this act, Marx got his first taste of life as a vaudeville performer. In 1909, Marx and his brothers had become a group act, at first called The Three Nightingales and later The Four Nightingales.[10] The brothers' mother, Minnie Marx, was the group's manager, putting them together and booking their shows. The group had a rocky start, performing in less than adequate venues and rarely, if ever, being paid for their performances.[10] Eventually brother Milton (Gummo) left the act to serve in World War I and was replaced by Herbert (Zeppo), and the group became known as the Marx Brothers.[10] Their first successful show was Fun In Hi Skule (1910).[10]