Harpo Marx was one of the most famous comedians of the 20th century, known for his silent and visual humor as part of the Marx Brothers. He entertained millions of people with his antics, props, and harp playing, but he also had a serious side. He was a devoted family man, a humanitarian, and a supporter of Israel. He died on September 28, 1964, at the age of 75, after undergoing heart surgery. Here is a brief overview of his life and death.
Early Life and Career
Harpo Marx was born as Adolph Marx on November 23, 1888, in New York City. He was the second-oldest of the five Marx Brothers, who were all sons of Jewish immigrants from Germany and France. His father, Sam Marx, was a tailor who struggled to make ends meet. His mother, Minnie Marx, was an ambitious woman who encouraged her sons to pursue show business.
Harpo dropped out of school at the age of eight, after being bullied for being Jewish. He started working odd jobs with his older brother Chico, such as selling newspapers, working in a butcher shop, and running errands. In 1910, he joined his brothers Groucho and Gummo to form a singing group called The Three Nightingales. They later changed their name to The Marx Brothers and added their youngest brother Zeppo to the act.
Harpo initially had a speaking part in the group, but he soon realized that he was not as witty or eloquent as his brothers. He decided to develop his own style of comedy, based on mime, clowning, and pantomime. He wore a curly reddish blond wig, a top hat, and a trench coat. He never spoke on stage or in films, instead communicating with gestures, whistles, horns, and other props. He also played the harp in an unconventional way, which earned him his stage name Harpo.
The Marx Brothers became one of the most popular comedy acts in vaudeville, Broadway, and Hollywood. They starred in 13 feature films between 1929 and 1949, such as Animal Crackers, Duck Soup, A Night at the Opera, and A Day at the Races. They also appeared on radio and television shows. Harpo was often the most beloved and memorable character in their films, with his innocent and mischievous personality.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Harpo Marx married actress Susan Fleming in 1936. They adopted four children: Bill, Alex, Jimmy, and Minnie. Harpo was a loving and devoted father who enjoyed spending time with his family. He also had a close bond with his brothers and often collaborated with them on various projects.
Harpo was also a generous and compassionate man who supported many causes. He was one of the first celebrities to visit Israel in 1963 and performed for the Israeli troops. He also donated money to various charities and organizations that helped children, animals, and refugees. He wrote an autobiography called Harpo Speaks! in 1961, which revealed his personal and professional life.
Cause of Death
Harpo Marx suffered from cardiovascular disease for several years before his death. He had a heart attack in 1955 and underwent surgery to repair a damaged valve. He recovered well and continued to work and travel until 1964.
In September 1964, he had another heart attack and was admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He underwent another surgery to replace two valves in his heart. The operation was successful but he developed complications afterwards. He died on September 28th (his 28th wedding anniversary) at the age of 75.
His death was mourned by his family, friends, fans, and fellow comedians. His brother Groucho said: “He didn’t just belong to my family; he belonged to the world.” His funeral was attended by hundreds of people who paid tribute to his legacy. He was buried at Eden Memorial Park Cemetery in Mission Hills, California.
Harpo Marx was one of the greatest comedians of all time who brought joy and laughter to millions of people with his silent humor. He was also a kind-hearted human being who cared about others and made the world a better place. He will always be remembered as a legend of comedy and a hero of humanity.
