Jimmy Durante

**James Francis "Jimmy" Durante** (February 10, 1893 – January 29, 1980) was an American comedian, actor, singer, and pianist. His famous nickname was _The Great Schnozzola_ (a reference to his big nose). He was also known for his deep raspy voice when he said _"Ha-Cha-Cha-Cha-Cha-Chaaaaa!"_. He won an Emmy Award in 1952.

## Early life

Durante was born on February 10, 1893 in Brooklyn, New York. His family were Italian Catholics. He studied at the Saint Malachy's Roman Catholic Church (also known as The Actors' Chapel).

## Career

Durante started acting in movies in the 1930s. He worked in comedy series with silent movie legend Buster Keaton. He later appeared in _The Wet Parade_ (1932), _Broadway to Hollywood_ (1933), _The Man Who Came to Dinner_ (1942, playing "Banjo", a character based on Harpo Marx), _Ziegfeld Follies_ (1946), _Billy Rose's Jumbo_ (1962, based on the 1935 musical) and _It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World_ (1963).

On September 10, 1933, Durante appeared on Eddie Cantor's radio show, _The Chase and Sanborn Hour_. He worked on the show until November 12 of that year. When Cantor later left, Durante took over the show as its star from April 22 to September 30, 1934. He then moved on to _The Jumbo Fire Chief Program_ (1935–36).

On August 4, 1955, _The Jimmy Durante Show_ on NBC was the venue of the final role by the famous Brazilian singer Carmen Miranda. Miranda fell to her knees while dancing with Durante, who quickly told the band, "STOP--the music!" He helped Miranda up to her feet as she laughed, "I'm all out of breath!". He repled, "That's OK, honey, I'll take your lines." Miranda laughed again and quickly pulled herself together and finished the show. However, the next morning, August 5, Miranda died at home from another heart attack.

## Marriages

Durante was married to Jeanne Olsen from 1921 until her death in 1943 from heart disease. He was later married to Margie Little from 1960 until his own death in 1980. Little and Durante adopted one daughter, Cecilia Alicia.

### Political views and health

Durante was a member of the Democratic Party. He retired in 1972 after having many strokes which left him in a wheelchair.

## Death

Durante died on January 29, 1980 in his home in Santa Monica, California. He died from pneumonia, and was 86 years old. He is buried at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California.

## Other websites

- Jerry Haendiges Vintage Radio Logs: _The Jimmy Durante Show_ (1933-50)
- Jerry Haendiges Vintage Radio Logs: _The Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore Show_ (1943-47)
- Jimmy Durante on "Four Star Revue/All Star Revue" (1950-53) at Classic TV Info.
- Jimmy Durante on "The Colgate Comedy Hour" (1953-54) at Classic TV Info.
- Jimmy Durante on "Texaco Star Theater" (1954-56) at Classic TV Info.

## Infobox (person)

- **name**: Jimmy Durante
- **image**: Jimmy durante 1964.JPG
- **caption**: Durante as host of _The Hollywood Palace_, 1964.
- **birth name**: James Francis Durante
- **birth place**: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
- **death place**: Santa Monica, California, Santa Monica, California, U.S.
- **death cause**: Pneumonia
- **resting place**: Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California, Culver City, California, U.S.
- **nationality**: American
- **alma mater**: Saint Malachy's Roman Catholic Church
- **years active**: 1920–1972
- **party**: Democratic Party (United States), Democrat
- **spouse**: Jeanne Olsen (1921–1943; her death)
Margie Little (1960–1980; his death)
- **children**: **Adopted with Little:**
Cecilia Alicia
- **relations**: 2 grandchildren
- **signature**: Jimmy Durante signature.svg