Ed Wynn Biography

Fast Facts

• Quote: "I can't give you a definition [of humor]․ It is too subtle to be pinned down․ I can say that it differs from wit, which exaggerates the truth, while humor presents the truth in an original way․"
• Quote: "A comedian says funny things․ A comic says things funny․"
• Began his career as a radio performer in the 1930s before transitioning to television full-time after landing one of television's first variety programs in 1949
• Founded the Amalgamated Broadcasting System during the height of his radio fame in the 1930s, however, the network would only last a few short week and cause him to endure a nervous breakdown
• Transitioned to both comedic and dramatic acting roles later in his career following insistence from his son Keenan with whom he would star in numerous productions
• Admittedly changed his name after feeling the need to save his family embarrassment from being related to a lowly comic
• While serving as a stage hand for W․C․ Fields, he was knocked unconscious by the performer after he was found entertaining the audience in between takes, thus sparking the actors' long-standing feud
• Served as inspiration for the appearance of the Mad Hatter in Disney's original adaptation of "Alice in Wonderland" after landing the character's voice role