- Born Name: Edward Israel Iskowitz
- Birthday: 1892-01-31 (Year-Month-Day)
- Website:
- Spouse(s): Ida Cantor (1914-1962) 5 daughters
- Children:
- Medium: Actor, comedian, dancer, singer-songwriter
|
|
Eddie Cantor, Eddie Cantor (January 31, 1892 – October 10, 1964) was an American illustrated song performer, comedian, dancer, singer, actor and songwriter. Familiar to Broadway, radio, movie 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. Some of his hits include Makin Whoopee, Ida, If You Knew Susie, MA! Hes Makin Eyes at Me, Margie and How Ya Gonna Keep Em Down on the Farm (After Theyve 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, the artist Frederick J. Garner caricatured Cantor with large round eyes resembling the drum-like pot of a banjo. Cantors 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, and he is credited with coining the phrase and helping to develop The March of Dimes.