Ed Wynn

Birth Name:

Isaiah Edwin Leopold

Birth Place:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Profession

Actor, Soundtrack

Quote: "A comedian says funny things․ A comic says things funny․"
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․"
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
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
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

1957Primetime Emmy - Best Supporting Performance by an Actor:Nominated
1958BAFTA Film Award - Best Foreign Actor:Nominated
1958Golden Globe - Best Supporting Actor:Nominated
1960Oscar - Best Actor in a Supporting Role:Nominated
1961Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:Nominated

Fast Facts