Eddie Cantor

Eddie Cantor (born Isidore Itzkowitz; January 31, 1892 - October 10, 1964) was an American comedian, singer, actor, songwriter. Familiar to Broadway, radio and early television audiences, this "Apostle of Pep" was regarded almost as a family member by millions because his top-rated radio shows revealed intimate stories and amusing anecdotes about his wife Ida and five daughters. His eye-rolling song-and-dance routines eventually led to his nickname, Banjo Eyes, and in 1933, the artist Frederick J. Garner caricatured Cantor with large round and white 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). He was the original singer of 1929 hit song "Makin' Whoopie".

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Category:Presidents of the Screen Actors Guild
Category:American stage actors
Category:Comedians from New York City
Category:American Jews
Category:Actors from New York City
Category:Singers from New York City
Category:American television actors
Category:American radio actors
Category:1892 births
Category:1964 deaths