George Givot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Givot
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| Born |
George David Givot
February 18, 1903 |
| Died | June 7, 1984 (aged 81) Palm Springs, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Comedian, actor |
| Years active | 1933-1961 |
| Spouse(s) | Maryon Curtis (1937-1941) (divorced) Dorothy Durkee (1945-1984) (his death) |
George David Givot (born February 18, 1903 – died June 7, 1984) was an American comedian and actor. He was born in the Russian Empire. George Givot performed on Broadway, in vaudeville shows, movies, television, and radio.
He was famous for speaking in a funny, pretend Greek accent. People called him the "Greek Ambassador of Good Will." Many people remember him as the voice of Tony in the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp (1955).
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Early Life
George Givot was born on February 18, 1903, in Ekaterinoslav, which is now Dnipro, Ukraine. His family moved to the United States in 1906. They first lived in Omaha, Nebraska, and then moved to Chicago.
In Chicago, George went to high school and college. He was known for being a class clown. His journalism teacher suggested he try working at a radio station. George got a job there, broadcasting late at night. Later, a famous performer named Paul Ash heard him and helped him start his career in vaudeville.
A Comedian with a Special Voice
George Givot was one of the first comedians to use a Greek accent in his acts. He performed in vaudeville, nightclubs, movies, and on the radio starting in the 1920s. He learned some Greek words while working at a Greek candy store in Omaha.
In 1926, a 16-year-old student tried to play a joke on George. She was taken into custody for a short time, but police soon realized she was just kidding.
On Broadway
George Givot performed in several plays on Broadway, which is a famous theater district in New York City.
In 1931, he was in a play called The Constant Sinner. The writer, Mae West, wanted to cast an African-American actor. But because of the rules at that time, it was very controversial. So, George Givot played the role instead. He had to wear makeup to look like a Black character. The producers made sure he took off his wig at the end of each show to prove he was white.
In 1933, George was in a musical called Pardon My English. He replaced another actor in the show. He and Josephine Huston sang a famous song called "Isn't It a Pity?" in this musical. However, Pardon My English was not a big success and closed quickly.
He had much better luck in 1944 with the musical Mexican Hayride. This show was very popular. While working on it, he met his future second wife, Dorothy Durkee, who was also in the cast.
Movies and Voice Acting
George Givot appeared in many short comedy films in the 1930s. He also played supporting roles in different types of movies, including comedies, musicals, and dramas. His first movie was The Chief in 1933. He also appeared in the war movie China Gate in 1957.
One of his most famous roles was as the voice of Tony in the Disney animated movie Lady and the Tramp (1955). He sang the song "Bella Notte" in the film.
Television and Radio
George Givot was the first host of a TV show called Bonnie Maid Versa-Tile Varieties in 1949. He also appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show twice in 1958.
He had his own radio show at different times. He was also a panelist on a show called Stop Me If You've Heard This One when it returned in 1947.
Personal Life
George Givot married actress Maryon Curtis in 1937. They later divorced in 1941. On December 1, 1945, he married Dorothy Durkee. They had met while starring together in the musical Mexican Hayride.
A famous newspaper writer, Hedda Hopper, once wrote a story about George Givot. She said that a man named Bugsy Siegel was a friend of George's. Once, Bugsy convinced George to stay an extra day in Chicago. The plane George was supposed to take ended up crashing, and many people lost their lives. So, his friend accidentally saved his life.
Death
George Givot passed away from a heart attack on June 7, 1984. He was in Palm Springs, California.
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George Givot
