Judy Canova Biography

Fast Facts

• Was a direct descendent of Antonio Canova, the Italian sculptor whose "The Three Graces" is on display in the Louvre in Paris
• Began her performing career as a singer and guitar player in the Three Canovas with her sister Annie and brother Zeke
• Made her screen acting debut in the short film "The Song of Fame" in 1934
• Was discovered during a nightclub performance with the Three Canovas in New York City in 1933 by Rudy Vallee, who happened to be in the audience that night
• Appeared in Broadway productions of "Ziegfeld Follies of 1936," "Calling All Stars," and "Yokel Boy․"
• Best known as a comedian, actress, and radio personality who hosted the comedy and variety radio program "The Judy Canova Show․"
• The character of "Judy Canova" she used on her radio program was based on the persona of her then-husband Bob Burns
• Many of the memorable catchphrases from "The Judy Canova Show" came from cast member Mel Blanc, the versatile voice actor behind Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Marvin the Martian, and a number of other Warner Bros․ cartoon characters