Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Danny Kaye Biography

Birth Name:

David Daniel Kaminsky

Birth Place:

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Profession

Actor, singer, dancer

Fast Facts

Left school at 13 to work the Borscht Belt circuit in the Catskill Mountains
Made his Broadway debut in the 1939 musical Straw Hat Revue
First big-screen appearance was in the 1944 comedic musical Up in Arms
Was one of the original owners of the Seattle Mariners baseball team
When UNICEF received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965, Kaye was selected to accept it due to his extensive support of the organization
Performed in a wheelchair for several months during the run of Broadway musical Two by Two (1970-71) after breaking his leg
Was an accomplished pilot, certified to fly jumbo jets

1982Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
1965Emmy-Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment: nominated
1964Emmy-Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program: winner
1963Emmy-Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program: nominated
1959Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: winner
1957Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: nominated
1953Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: nominated
1952Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: winner