Eddie Cantor
Eddie Cantor (born Isidore Itzkowitz; January 31, 1892 – October 10, 1964) was an American comedian, actor, dancer, singer, songwriter, film producer, screenwriter and author. Cantor was one of the prominent entertainers of his era.
Eddie Cantor | |
|---|---|
Cantor in 1945 | |
| Born | Isidore Itzkowitz January 31, 1892 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | October 10, 1964 (aged 72) |
| Resting place | Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1907–1962 |
| Spouse |
Ida Tobias
(m. 1914; died 1962) |
| Children | 5 |
| 2nd President of the Screen Actors Guild | |
| In office 1933–1935 | |
| Preceded by | Ralph Morgan |
| Succeeded by | Robert Montgomery |
Some of his hits include "Makin' Whoopee", "Ida (Sweet as Apple Cider)", "If You Knew Susie", "Ma! He's Making Eyes at Me", “Mandy”, "My Baby Just Cares for Me”, "Margie", and "How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm (After They've Seen Paree)?" He also wrote a few songs, including "Merrily We Roll Along", the Merrie Melodies Warner Bros. cartoon theme.
His eye-rolling song-and-dance routines eventually led to his nickname "Banjo Eyes". In 1933, artist Frederick J. Garner caricatured Cantor with large round eyes resembling the drum-like pot of a banjo. Cantor's eyes became his trademark, often exaggerated in illustrations, and leading to his appearance on Broadway in the musical Banjo Eyes (1941).
His charity and humanitarian work was extensive. He helped to develop the March of Dimes and is credited with coining its name. Cantor was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1956 for distinguished service to the film industry.