Gummo Marx
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Born Name:
Milton Marx
Born Date: October 23, 1892
Born Place: New York City, New York
Died Date: April 21, 1977
Died Place: Palm Springs, California
Occupations: Vaudevillian, actor, comedian, theatrical agent
Brief Biography: Milton "Gummo" Marx was a key member of their original vaudeville act, he left the group to serve in World War I before they transitioned to films. He went on to enjoy a successful career as their theatrical agent and a businessman.
Early Life and Vaudeville:
He was the first of the brothers to perform on stage, making his debut as early as 1899 in a dummy act with his uncle. He later joined his brothers Groucho and Harpo in 1909 to form their famed comedy-musical act.
Nickname: He was given the nickname "Gummo" by a fellow performer during a backstage poker game. Depending on the account, it was either due to his habit of sneaking up on people like a "gumshoe" detective, or because he wore rubber-soled, "gum" shoes.
Performing Style: Gummo often played an ethnic "Hebrew" caricature, which was typical of vaudeville acts at the time. He was an exceptional dancer and served as the pragmatic straight-man in the troupe.
Departure and Agent Career: Despite their rising success, Gummo was never truly comfortable in the spotlight and struggled with a minor stutter. When he was drafted into the United States Army in 1918, he gladly left show business. His younger brother, Zeppo, took his place. Following the war, Gummo never returned to performing. Instead, he partnered with Zeppo in the 1930s to launch a highly successful theatrical and talent agency. Gummo earned a reputation as a highly respected businessman, and exclusively represented his brothers—as well as various other actors and writers—throughout their Hollywood years.
Born Date: October 23, 1892
Born Place: New York City, New York
Died Date: April 21, 1977
Died Place: Palm Springs, California
Occupations: Vaudevillian, actor, comedian, theatrical agent
Brief Biography: Milton "Gummo" Marx was a key member of their original vaudeville act, he left the group to serve in World War I before they transitioned to films. He went on to enjoy a successful career as their theatrical agent and a businessman.
Early Life and Vaudeville:
He was the first of the brothers to perform on stage, making his debut as early as 1899 in a dummy act with his uncle. He later joined his brothers Groucho and Harpo in 1909 to form their famed comedy-musical act.
Nickname: He was given the nickname "Gummo" by a fellow performer during a backstage poker game. Depending on the account, it was either due to his habit of sneaking up on people like a "gumshoe" detective, or because he wore rubber-soled, "gum" shoes.
Performing Style: Gummo often played an ethnic "Hebrew" caricature, which was typical of vaudeville acts at the time. He was an exceptional dancer and served as the pragmatic straight-man in the troupe.
Departure and Agent Career: Despite their rising success, Gummo was never truly comfortable in the spotlight and struggled with a minor stutter. When he was drafted into the United States Army in 1918, he gladly left show business. His younger brother, Zeppo, took his place. Following the war, Gummo never returned to performing. Instead, he partnered with Zeppo in the 1930s to launch a highly successful theatrical and talent agency. Gummo earned a reputation as a highly respected businessman, and exclusively represented his brothers—as well as various other actors and writers—throughout their Hollywood years.