Groucho Marx
Julius Henry Marx, known as Groucho Marx, (October 2, 1890 - August 19, 1977), was an American comedian, working bothhis siblingsMarx Brotherson his own.
The Marx family grew up onUpper East SideNew York City, insmall Jewish neighborhood sandwiched between Irish/GermanItalian neighborhoods. Leonard Marx,oldest Marx brother, developed"Italian" accent he used as "Chico"convince some roving bullies that he was Italian, not Jewish. Fortime on Vaudeville allbrothers performedethnic accents. Groucho didGerman accent. However aftersinking ofRMS Lusitania1915 there was anti-German sentiment,Groucho's "German" character was booed. He quickly droppedaccentdevelopedfast-talking wise guy character he would make famous.
Groucho developedroutine aswise-cracking man withdistinctive chicken-walking lopean exaggerated greasepaint moustache, improvising insultsstuffy grande dames who stoodhis way. Hehis brothers starred inseriesmoviesstage shows, often departing fromscriptswere working with.
Groucho also worked asradio comedianshow host in1930s1940s. In1950s, he hostedpopular television program You Bet Your Life. The show consistedGroucho interviewingcontestantsad libbing jokes. Thenwould playbrief quiz. The show was responsible forphrases "Saysecret wordwinprize""WhoburiedGrant's Tomb?"
Groucho wasmaster at improvising clever insults,became well knownthis. Onehis frustrationslater years was that when he insulted people who annoyed himtendedlaugh, thinkingwas just part offamous comedian's act.
Groucho Marx died on August 19, 1977was interred inEden Memorial Park CemeteryMission Hills, California.
Quotes about Groucho Marx
- "Groucho Marx wasbest comedian this country ever produced. [...] Hesimply unique insame way that Picasso or Stravinsky are." -- Woody Allen
- A famous French witticism was "Je suis Marxiste, tendance Groucho."; "I'mMarxist ofGroucho variety".
