Jerry Colonna Biography

Fast Facts

• Traveled with Bob Hope on his USO tours during three wars and would change his outfit depending on which branch of the military they were performing for
• Was awarded the Air Force Scroll of Appreciation, the Air Force's highest civilian award, for his frequent overseas performances with Bob Hope
• Made his screen acting debut in the film "52nd Street" in 1937
• Started out as a drummer in a jazz band in 1917 and later worked as a trombonist for CBS radio
• Some of the films he appeared in with Bob Hope were "Road to Singapore," "Road to Rio," and "Star-Spangled Rhythm․"
• Worked with Bob Hope as his sidekick and foil for 30 years in his films and live appearances
• Best known as the voice of the March Hare in "Alice in Wonderland" and as the narrator of "Casey at the Bat" in 1946's "Make Mine Music․"