Gummo Marx facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gummo Marx
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| Born |
Milton Marx
October 23, 1893 Manhattan, New York, U.S.
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| Died | April 21, 1977 (aged 83) Palm Springs, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Glendale, California, U. S. |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1899−1960 |
| Spouse(s) |
Helen von Tilzer
(m. 1929; died 1976) |
| Children | 1 |
| Parent(s) | Sam "Frenchie" Marx Minnie Schönberg |
| Relatives | Chico Marx (brother) Harpo Marx (brother) Groucho Marx (brother) Zeppo Marx (brother) Al Shean (maternal uncle) |
Milton "Gummo" Marx (born October 23, 1893 – died April 21, 1977) was an American performer and businessman. He was known as a vaudevillian, actor, comedian, and theatrical agent. Gummo was the second youngest of the famous five Marx Brothers.
He was born in Manhattan, New York City. Gummo performed with his brothers in vaudeville shows. He left the act in 1918 when he joined the U.S. Army during World War I. His younger brother, Zeppo, took his place in the group. Gummo did not really enjoy being on stage. He later became a very successful businessman.
Contents
Early Life
Milton Marx was born in Manhattan, New York City, on October 23, 1893. His parents were Sam Marx, also known as "Frenchie," and Minnie Schoenberg Marx. The Marx family was Jewish. His mother came from Dornum in East Frisia. His father was from Alsace and worked as a tailor.
From Stage to Business
Gummo Marx was the fourth Marx Brother by age. However, he was the first to perform on stage. This happened in 1899 in an act with his uncle, Henry Shean. Henry was the brother of the famous performer Al Shean.
His Time in Vaudeville
In the act, Milton pretended to be a dummy. He wore a costume with a papier-mâché head. Henry pretended to make him move. This act might have only been performed once. It was not very successful. Henry was deaf, and Milton had a stammer.
Joining the Army
Gummo once said in an interview that he never liked being on stage. He left the group and joined the military during World War I. He was not sent overseas. The war ended shortly after he joined. His younger brother, Zeppo, then took his place in the Marx Brothers' act.
A Smart Businessman
After his time in the Army, Gummo went into the raincoat business. Later, he teamed up with his brother Zeppo. They ran a theatrical agency. This agency helped performers find jobs. After that partnership ended, Gummo became an agent for his brother Groucho. He also worked on the television show The Life of Riley. He helped create this show.
Gummo also represented other actors and writers. He was highly respected as a businessman. He rarely used written contracts. He believed that if people liked his work, they would stay with him. If not, they would find another agent. Around the time he left vaudeville, Gummo applied for a patent. This patent was for a special clothes-packing rack. He received the patent on October 28, 1919.
How Did He Get His Nickname?
There are a few ideas about how Gummo got his nickname. One idea is that he was sneaky backstage. He would creep up on people like a "gumshoe," which is slang for a detective. Another idea comes from biographers and family members. Milton was often the sickest of the brothers. He often wore rubber overshoes, also called "gumshoes," to protect himself in bad weather. According to Zeppo, Gummo might have gotten his nickname because he was always chewing gum.
Family and Later Life
Gummo Marx married Helen von Tilzer on March 16, 1929. They were married until Helen's death in January 1976. Their son, Robert, was born in 1930.
Gummo died on April 21, 1977, at his home in Palm Springs, California. He was 83 years old. He died from a cerebral hemorrhage, which is a type of stroke. His death was not told to Groucho. By that time, Groucho was very ill and weak. It was thought the news would make him even sicker. Groucho died four months later, on August 19, at age 86.
Gummo and his wife Helen are buried next to each other. They are in the Freedom Mausoleum at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Gummo's older brother Chico is buried in a crypt across the hall from them.
Legacy
Gummo's grandsons are actors Gregg Marx and Chris Marx.
Images for kids
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"Four Marx Brothers. In "Green's Reception" at the Greenwall". Left to right, Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Gummo.
See also
In Spanish: Gummo Marx para niños
