Martha Raye
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Born Name:
Margaret Theresa Yvonne Reed
Born Date: August 27, 1916
Born Place: Butte, Montana
Died Date: October 19, 1994
Died Place: Los Angeles, California
Occupations: Actress, singer, comedian
Brief Biography: Martha Raye was beloved for her booming voice, slapstick routines, and exaggerated facial expressions, she was a powerhouse in vaudeville, film, and 1950s television, later earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom for decades of morale-boosting tours with the military.
Early Life and Vaudeville Roots:
She was literally born backstage to parents who were vaudeville performers. She made her stage debut at just three years old. Because she was raised on the road, she had very little formal schooling but quickly learned how to sing, dance, and improvise.
Hollywood and Film Career:
Raye made her Broadway debut in 1934 in Calling All Stars. Her zany, improvisational style and loud, physical comedy caught the eye of Hollywood producers. In 1936, she signed with Paramount Pictures and made her feature film debut opposite Bing Crosby in Rhythm on the Range. She went on to star in more than 40 films, often performing alongside legends like Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, W.C. Fields, and Abbott and Costello. One of her most highly praised dramatic and comedic film performances was in Charlie Chaplin’s acclaimed 1947 dark comedy, Monsieur Verdoux.
Television and Stage:
Raye transitioned easily into early television, headlining The Martha Raye Show from 1954 to 1956. She later endeared herself to a new generation of audiences as the spokesperson for Polident denture cleaner in the 1970s and 1980s, playfully concluding her commercials with the catchphrase, "Take it from a big mouth!". She also enjoyed a successful stage career, replacing Ginger Rogers in Broadway's Hello, Dolly! in 1967, and played the recurring role of Carrie Sharples in the popular sitcom Alice (1979–1984).
Military Service and Humanitarian Work:
Despite her zany comedic persona, Raye's most profound legacy is her tireless dedication to the U.S. military. Beginning in 1942, she volunteered with the USO, entertaining troops across the globe through World War II, the Korean War, and for nine years in Vietnam. Affectionately dubbed "Colonel Maggie" by the troops, she often doubled as a nurse, staying in combat zones for extended periods. In recognition of her bravery and service, she was named an honorary Lieutenant Colonel and received a Green Beret. She was also awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 1969 Oscars and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993 from President Bill Clinton.
Born Date: August 27, 1916
Born Place: Butte, Montana
Died Date: October 19, 1994
Died Place: Los Angeles, California
Occupations: Actress, singer, comedian
Brief Biography: Martha Raye was beloved for her booming voice, slapstick routines, and exaggerated facial expressions, she was a powerhouse in vaudeville, film, and 1950s television, later earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom for decades of morale-boosting tours with the military.
Early Life and Vaudeville Roots:
She was literally born backstage to parents who were vaudeville performers. She made her stage debut at just three years old. Because she was raised on the road, she had very little formal schooling but quickly learned how to sing, dance, and improvise.
Hollywood and Film Career:
Raye made her Broadway debut in 1934 in Calling All Stars. Her zany, improvisational style and loud, physical comedy caught the eye of Hollywood producers. In 1936, she signed with Paramount Pictures and made her feature film debut opposite Bing Crosby in Rhythm on the Range. She went on to star in more than 40 films, often performing alongside legends like Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, W.C. Fields, and Abbott and Costello. One of her most highly praised dramatic and comedic film performances was in Charlie Chaplin’s acclaimed 1947 dark comedy, Monsieur Verdoux.
Television and Stage:
Raye transitioned easily into early television, headlining The Martha Raye Show from 1954 to 1956. She later endeared herself to a new generation of audiences as the spokesperson for Polident denture cleaner in the 1970s and 1980s, playfully concluding her commercials with the catchphrase, "Take it from a big mouth!". She also enjoyed a successful stage career, replacing Ginger Rogers in Broadway's Hello, Dolly! in 1967, and played the recurring role of Carrie Sharples in the popular sitcom Alice (1979–1984).
Military Service and Humanitarian Work:
Despite her zany comedic persona, Raye's most profound legacy is her tireless dedication to the U.S. military. Beginning in 1942, she volunteered with the USO, entertaining troops across the globe through World War II, the Korean War, and for nine years in Vietnam. Affectionately dubbed "Colonel Maggie" by the troops, she often doubled as a nurse, staying in combat zones for extended periods. In recognition of her bravery and service, she was named an honorary Lieutenant Colonel and received a Green Beret. She was also awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 1969 Oscars and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993 from President Bill Clinton.