Jack Gilford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jack Gilford
Jack Gilford in 1986
Born	Jacob Aaron Gellman (1908-07-25)July 25, 1908 Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
Died	June 4, 1990(1990-06-04) (aged 81) Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, comedian, activist
Years active	1937–1989
Spouse(s)	Madeline Lee Gilford (1949–1990; his death)
Children	3

Jack Gilford (born Jacob Aaron Gellman; July 25, 1908 – June 4, 1990) was a famous American actor. He performed on Broadway, in movies, and on television. He was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the movie Save the Tiger (1973).

Early Life and Talents

Jack Gilford was born in Manhattan, New York City, and grew up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. His parents, Sophie and Aaron, were Jewish immigrants from Romania. His mother owned a restaurant, and his father was a furrier (someone who works with animal furs). Jack was the middle of three brothers.

Jack started his acting journey in amateur theater. He was discovered by his mentor, Milton Berle, while working in a pharmacy. Jack was very good at doing impressions (imitating other people). He could even make his face look like "split pea soup coming to a furious boil!" He also did impressions of a fluorescent light turning on and famous people like John D. Rockefeller Sr.

Career Highlights

In 1938, Jack Gilford became the master of ceremonies (host) at Café Society. This was a special nightclub in New York that was integrated, meaning people of all races could enjoy it together. Jack's style mixed old traditions like Yiddish theater and vaudeville with new comedy. He was known for his monologues, which are long speeches by one person.

Jack was nominated for several important awards. He received Tony Awards for his roles in Broadway musicals like A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1963) and Cabaret (1966). He also earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination for the movie Save the Tiger (1973).

One of Jack's special skills was pantomime, which is acting without words. He used this talent as the silent King Sextimus in the musical Once Upon a Mattress (1959). He even performed this role with a young Carol Burnett on television twice.

Facing Challenges

During the 1950s, Jack Gilford faced a difficult time in his career. He was an activist who supported social change, integration, and labor unions. Because of his political beliefs, he and his wife, Madeline Lee, were called to speak before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). This committee was investigating people thought to have Communist sympathies.

As a result, Jack and Madeline were put on the Hollywood blacklist. This meant it was very hard for them to find work in movies and TV for several years. They often had to borrow money from friends to get by.

Jack made a strong comeback in the early 1960s. He starred in the Broadway musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1962). He acted alongside his good friend, Zero Mostel, who had also been blacklisted.

Jack Gilford became very successful on Broadway in plays like Drink To Me Only and The Diary of Anne Frank. Later, he also found success in movies, including Cocoon (1985), and in many TV commercials for Cracker Jack.

Personal Life

Jack Gilford met actress and producer Madeline Lee at political meetings in the late 1940s. They got married in 1949 and stayed together for 40 years until Jack's death. They raised three children: Lisa, Joe, and Sam.

Later Years and Legacy

Jack Gilford passed away in 1990 at the age of 81 after a battle with stomach cancer. He is buried in Mount Hebron Cemetery in Flushing, New York.

In 2008, Jack and Madeline's son, Joe Gilford, wrote a play called Finks. This play was based on his parents' experiences with the Hollywood blacklist. It was praised by The New York Times and nominated for a Drama Desk Award.

Broadway Shows

• Meet the People (1940–1941, musical revue)
• They Should Have Stood in Bed (1942, play)
• Alive and Kicking (1950, musical revue)
• The Live Wire (1950, play)
• The World of Sholem Aleichem (1953, play, Off-Broadway)
• The Diary of Anne Frank (1955–1957, play)
• Romanoff and Juliet (1957–1958, play)
• Drink to Me Only (1958, play)
• Look After Lulu (1959, play)
• Once Upon a Mattress (1959, musical) – Jack played King Sextimus Off-Broadway and in two TV versions.
• The Tenth Man (1959–1961, play)
• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1962–1964, musical)
• Cabaret (1966–1968, musical)
• Three Men on a Horse (1969–1970, play, revival)
• No, No, Nanette (1971, revival, musical)
• The Sunshine Boys (1973–1974, play, replacement for Jack Albertson)
• Sly Fox (1976–1978, play)
• The Supporting Cast (1981, play)
• The World of Sholem Aleichem (1982, play, revival)

Movies and TV Shows

Music Albums

• You Don't Have to be Jewish (1965)
• Cole Porter: Anything Goes, conducted by John McGlinn; EMI Records (1989)

Awards and Recognition

See also

In Spanish: Jack Gilford para niños