Danny Kaye
Danny Kaye, born David Daniel Kaminsky on January 18, 1911, in Brooklyn, New York, was an American actor, comedian, singer, and dancer known for his physical comedy, pantomimes, and rapid-fire novelty songs. The son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Kaye was the youngest of three sons and grew up speaking Yiddish at home. He attended Public School 149 in Brooklyn and later Thomas Jefferson High School, where he participated in sports but did not graduate.
Kaye's early career began in the Borscht Belt of Jewish resorts in the Catskill Mountains, where he honed his entertainment skills. He debuted on Broadway in 1939 with "Straw Hat Revue" and gained acclaim with the musical "Lady in the Dark" in 1940. That same year, he married Sylvia Fine, who played a significant role in managing his career and creating his routines.
Kaye's film career took off when Samuel Goldwyn signed him for a series of Technicolor musicals, starting with "Up in Arms" (1944). He starred in notable films such as "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (1947), "The Inspector General" (1949), "Hans Christian Andersen" (1952), "White Christmas" (1954), and "The Court Jester" (1955). His performances often featured patter songs and comedic routines.
Beyond film, Kaye was the first ambassador-at-large for UNICEF in 1954 and received the French Legion of Honour in 1986 for his humanitarian work. He also had a successful television career with "The Danny Kaye Show" from 1963 to 1967.
Kaye was known for his red hair, ability to perform tongue-twisting songs, and passion for Chinese cooking. He was also a commercial pilot and one of the original owners of the Seattle Mariners baseball team.
Danny Kaye passed away on March 3, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy of entertainment and philanthropy.
App
