Imogene Coca was a comedy legend who co-starred with Sid Caesar on the classic TV show “Your Show of Shows” in the 1950s. She was known for her rubbery face, expressive eyes, and subtle satire. She won an Emmy Award for her performance and was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the musical “On the Twentieth Century”. She also appeared in films, theater, and cartoons, working well into her 80s. But how did Imogene Coca die? Here is what we know.
Natural Causes at 92
According to CBS News, Imogene Coca died of natural causes at her Westport residence on June 2, 2001. She was 92 years old. Her longtime friend Mark Basile confirmed her death and praised her as a humanist and a professional. He said, “She was a humanist. Her humanity was so strong, so giving. She made people want to be with her. She was the most professional artist I’ve ever worked with.”
A Life of Laughter
Imogene Coca was born in Philadelphia on November 18, 1908. Her father was an orchestra conductor and her mother was an actress and dancer. She started performing as a child and moved to New York City as a teenager to pursue a career in music and dance. She made her Broadway debut in 1934 and soon discovered her talent for comedy. She met Sid Caesar in 1949 and they formed a successful partnership that lasted for six years on “Your Show of Shows” and “Caesar’s Hour”. They performed sketches that spoofed everyday situations, movies, TV shows, and celebrities. They also created memorable characters, such as the bickering couple “The Hickenloopers”.
Imogene Coca was admired by critics and audiences alike for her versatility, timing, and wit. She was compared to Charlie Chaplin and Beatrice Lillie for her ability to make people laugh with a gesture or a look. She once said, “The trouble with most comedians who try to do satire is that they are essentially brash, noisy and indelicate people who have to use a sledge hammer to smash a butterfly. Miss Coca, on the other hand, is the timid woman who, when aroused, can beat a tiger to death with a feather.”
A Legacy of Joy
After her collaboration with Sid Caesar ended, Imogene Coca continued to work in various media. She starred in several TV shows, such as “The Imogene Coca Show”, “Grindl”, and “It’s About Time”. She also guest-starred on popular shows, such as “The Carol Burnett Show”, “The Brady Bunch”, “The Love Boat”, and “Moonlighting”. She received her sixth Emmy nomination at the age of 80 for her role on “Moonlighting”. She also appeared in movies, such as “Under the Yum Yum Tree”, “National Lampoon’s Vacation”, and “Nothing Lasts Forever”. She also performed in theater, cabaret, and cartoons. She even appeared in a music video for the band EBN-OZN in 1984.
Imogene Coca was married twice, first to Robert Burton, who died in 1955, and then to King Donovan, who died in 1987. She had no children. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Peabody Award for her contribution to television. She was also inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1986.
Imogene Coca was a comedy icon who brought joy and laughter to millions of people. She was a pioneer of television and a master of satire. She was a humanist and a professional. She was Imogene Coca. And she will be missed.
