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Harpo Marx

Birth Name:
Adolph Marx
Birth Place:
New York City, New York, United States
Profession
Actor, Soundtrack, Writer
  • Along with Chico and Groucho, was ranked No․ 20 on the American Film Institute's "100 Years․․․ 100 Stars" list for Male Legends
  • He and lifelong companion Susan Fleming adopted four boys over the course of their marriage and stated they would have liked to adopt more
  • After dealing with bullying for years, he finally dropped out of school in the second grade to start working odd-jobs to help support his family of eight
  • Quote: "I am the most fortunate self-taught harpist and non-speaking actor who has ever lived․"
  • Quote: "If things get too much for you and you feel the whole world's against you, go stand on your head․ If you can think of anything crazier to do, do it․"
  • Decided to experiment with silent comedic acts after performing an ad-libbed act with his brothers Julius (Groucho) and Milton (Gummo) which garnered negative reviews from critics
  • Enjoyed success on television later in life which would include guest appearances alongside TV favorites including Lucille Ball, Red Skelton and Carol Burnett
  • A lifelong croquet enthusiast, he was inducted into the Croquet Hall of Fame in 1979
  • Gained the nickname "Harpo" because he often played the harp as a young adult which was given to him by his mother at a young age
  • His first film, 1921's "Humor Risk", was only screened once and lost soon after due to unknown circumstances
  • Served as a government spy to the Soviet Union in 1933 while acting as a goodwill ambassador and performer
  • 1932Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (October):Winner
  • 1939Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (November):Winner
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