Leonard Marx, known to the world as Chico Marx, was born on March 22, 1887, in New York City to Samuel "Frenchie" Marx and Minnie Schoenberg Marx. As the eldest of the Marx Brothers, Chico played a crucial role in shaping the comedic legacy of the group. Despite a childhood marked by poverty, Chico's life was vibrant and complex, filled with gambling and tumultuous love affairs.

Chico's upbringing in a lively and loving family environment was unique. His mother, Minnie, was a promoter for her brother, vaudeville comedian Al Shean, while his father, Frenchie, was an unsuccessful tailor. Chico learned to navigate the streets of New York by his wits, mastering small cons and swindles. His ability to mimic ethnic accents, particularly an "Italian" accent, became a hallmark of his stage and screen persona.

Minnie was determined that her sons would succeed on stage, and Chico was given piano lessons despite his lack of diligence. He joined his brothers in a singing group, but their comedic talents soon took center stage. The Marx Brothers transitioned from music to comedy, performing sketches like "Fun in Hi Skule" and later achieving fame with their madcap comedy acts.

Chico married his first wife, Betty Carp, on March 22, 1917, and they had a daughter, Maxine, in 1918. The Marx Brothers' rise to fame included successful tours and performances for royalty, although they faced challenges such as alienating influential figures in vaudeville. Chico Marx passed away on October 11, 1961, leaving behind a legacy as a talented performer and a key figure in the iconic Marx Brothers comedy team.