Gummo Marx
| Gummo Marx | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Milton Marx October 23, 1892 Manhattan, New York City |
| Died | April 21, 1977 (aged 84) Palm Springs, California |
| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale |
| Occupation | Actor, theatrical agent |
| Spouse(s) | Helen von Tilzer (m. 1929; her death 1976) |
| Parent(s) |
Minnie Schönberg Sam "Frenchie" Marx |
| Relatives |
Al Shean (maternal uncle) Chico Marx (brother) Harpo Marx (brother) Groucho Marx (brother) Zeppo Marx (brother) |
Milton Marx (October 23, 1892 – April 21, 1977), better known by his stage name Gummo Marx, was an American vaudevillian performer, actor, comedian and theatrical agent. He was the second youngest of the five Marx Brothers. Born in Manhattan, New York City, he worked with his brothers on the vaudeville circuit, but left acting when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War I (years before his brothers Chico, Harpo, Groucho, and Zeppo began their film career).
Marx was born in Manhattan, New York City on October 23, 1892. His parents were Sam Marx (called "Frenchie" throughout his life), and his wife, Minnie Schoenberg Marx. Marx's family was Jewish. His mother was from Dornum in East Frisia, and his father was a native of Alsace and worked as a tailor.
Although the fourth Marx Brother in age, he was the first to make his debut, pretending to be a dummy in an act with his uncle Henry Shean (né Heinemann Schoenberg) in 1899. Milton was put into a costume with a papier-mâché head and pretended to be a dummy while Henry pretended to work him. The act may have only performed once and was not helped by Shean's deafness or Milton's stammer.
Gummo, who in an interview said he never liked being on stage, left the group and joined the military during World War I. He wasn't sent overseas because the armistice was signed shortly afterward. Gummo's younger brother Zeppo took his place in the group. Gummo later went into the raincoat business. After his Army career he joined with Zeppo and operated a theatrical agency. After that collaboration ended, Gummo represented his brother Groucho and worked on the television show The Life of Riley, which he helped develop. He also represented other on-screen talent and a number of writers. Gummo was well respected as a businessman. He rarely had contracts with those he represented, his philosophy being that, if they liked his work, they would continue to use him, and if not, they would seek representation elsewhere.
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