Danny Kaye

Birth Name:

David Daniel Kaminsky

Birth Place:

Brookyln, New York, United States

Profession

Actor, Soundtrack, Producer, Music department

Also known for his charitable work with the non-profit organization UNICEF, for which he was the first Goodwill Ambassador
Traveled overseas to entertain troops during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and toured the world with Israel's youth symphony
Won the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1982 for his extensive humanitarian work
Learned most show business trade secrets as a teenager while working in the Catskills as an entertainer for various resorts
Made his screen acting debut in the short film "Moon Over Manhattan" in 1935
Quote: "Children are the world's most valuable natural resource․ All you have to do is hold out a hand and embrace a child and you will have a lifelong ally․"
After several years of short-lived jobs, he finally struck it big after being cast in the Broadway hit, Lady in the Dark, in 1941
Best known as the host of "The Danny Kaye Show" and for his role as Hubert Hawkins in "The Court Jester․"
Was an avid golfer, licensed aviator, chef and baseball fan
Was considered for the role of Willy Wonka in the original 1971 version of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory․"

1944Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (April):Winner
1945Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (July):Winner
1947Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (October):Winner
1952Golden Globe - Best Actor - Comedy or Musical:Winner
1953Golden Globe - Best Actor - Comedy or Musical:Nominated
1957Golden Globe - Best Actor - Comedy or Musical:Nominated
1959Golden Globe - Best Actor - Comedy or Musical:Winner
1960Golden Laurel - Top Male Musical Performance:Nominated
1964Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program or Series:Winner
1965Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment - Actors and Performers:Nominated
1982Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:Nominated
1982Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Classical Program in the Performing Arts:Nominated
1986Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Guest Performer in a Comedy Series:Nominated

Fast Facts