Jimmy Durante | |
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 Durante as host ofThe Hollywood Palace, 1964. | |
| Born | James Francis Durante (1893-02-10)February 10, 1893 |
| Died | January 29, 1980(1980-01-29) (aged 86) Santa Monica,California, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Pneumonia |
| Resting place | Holy Cross Cemetery,Culver City, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names |
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| Alma mater | Saint Malachy's Roman Catholic Church |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1920–1972 |
| Political party | Democrat |
| Spouse(s) | Jeanne Olsen (1921–1943; her death) Margie Little (1960–1980; his death) |
| Children | Adopted with Little: Cecilia Alicia |
| Relatives | 2 grandchildren |
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James Francis "Jimmy" Durante (February 10, 1893 – January 29, 1980) was anAmericancomedian, actor, singer, and pianist. His famous nickname wasThe Great Schnozzola (a reference to his bignose). He was also known for his deep raspy voice when he said"Ha-Cha-Cha-Cha-Cha-Chaaaaa!". He won anEmmy Award in 1952.
Durante was born on February 10, 1893 inBrooklyn,New York. His family wereItalianCatholics.[1][2] He studied at theSaint Malachy's Roman Catholic Church (also known as The Actors' Chapel).[3]
Durante started acting in movies in the 1930s. He worked in comedy series withsilent movie legendBuster Keaton. He later appeared inThe Wet Parade (1932),Broadway to Hollywood (1933),The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942, playing "Banjo", a character based onHarpo Marx),Ziegfeld Follies (1946),Billy Rose's Jumbo (1962, based on the 1935 musical) andIt's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963).
On September 10, 1933, Durante appeared onEddie Cantor'sradio show,The Chase and Sanborn Hour. He worked on the show until November 12 of that year. When Cantor later left, Durante took over the show as its star from April 22 to September 30, 1934. He then moved on toThe Jumbo Fire Chief Program (1935–36).
On August 4, 1955,The Jimmy Durante Show onNBC was the venue of the final role by the famousBrazilian singerCarmen Miranda. Miranda fell to her knees while dancing with Durante, who quickly told the band, "STOP--the music!" He helped Miranda up to her feet as she laughed, "I'm all out of breath!". He repled, "That's OK, honey, I'll take your lines." Miranda laughed again and quickly pulled herself together and finished the show. However, the next morning, August 5, Miranda died at home from another heart attack.
Durante was married to Jeanne Olsen from 1921 until her death in 1943 fromheart disease.[4] He was later married to Margie Little from 1960 until his own death in 1980.[5] Little and Durante adopted one daughter, Cecilia Alicia.
Durante was a member of theDemocratic Party.[6] He retired in 1972 after having manystrokes which left him in a wheelchair.
Durante died on January 29, 1980 in his home inSanta Monica,California. He died frompneumonia, and was 86 years old. He is buried at theHoly Cross Cemetery,Culver City, California.[7]
