Posted
October 2, 2016
Today
we celebrate the original behind this novelty disguise:
Did
you know that this party-store favorite is called “Groucho
glasses”? The reason for calling it that is because of today's
famous birthday:
Groucho
Marx, an American comedian, movie star, and radio and television
game show host.
You
see, Marx, born in New York City on this date in 1890, was in
vaudeville, which was a live variety show with a bunch of unrelated
acts. And in vaudeville, he developed a recognizable appearance with
glasses, cigar, and exaggerated, thick greasepaint mustache and
eyebrows.
 |
| When acting as radio and TV host, Groucho grew a real mustache and rarely used greasepaint for the by- then-iconic eyebrows-and-mustache. |
Marx
was named Julius Marx when he was born. He and his two older brothers
performed together and ended up being pretty big stars in vaudeville
and, later, movies. A fourth brother sometimes joined them on stage.
Groucho ended up making 26 movies (13 with his brothers) and became
an even bigger star when he became a TV quiz show host. You Bet Your
Life debuted on radio in 1947 and TV in 1950. The major reason for
the producer's choice of Groucho as host was that he was really
quick-witted, able to quickly ad-lib in an unscripted role.
And
I guess that is one reason the show was so popular!
- Honor Groucho Marx today by checking out some of the Marx Brothers' comedy (here is one example, and here is another).
- And maybe you can wear Groucho glasses -- at least long enough for a Happy Groucho Marx Day photo!
Also
on this date:
First
Sunday of October
First
Sunday of October
Plan
ahead:
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out my Pinterest boards for:
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