Gummo Marx
Encyclopedia
Milton "Gummo" Marx was an American vaudeville
performer and theatrical agent. He was the fourth-born of the Marx Brothers
. Born in New York City
, he worked with his brothers on the vaudeville circuit, but left acting when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War I
, years before his four brothers began their legendary film career.
After leaving the army, Gummo, who in an interview said he never liked being on stage, went into the raincoat
business . Later he joined with his brother Zeppo Marx
and operated a theatrical agency. After that collaboration ended, Gummo represented his brother Groucho Marx
and worked on the television show The Life of Riley
, which he helped develop. He also represented other on-screen talent and a number of writers.
Gummo was well respected as a businessman. He rarely had contracts with those he represented, his philosophy being that, if they liked his work, they would continue to use him, and if not, they would seek representation elsewhere. Unlike his brothers, his social life involved primarily business people.
Gummo was given his nickname
because he had a tendency to be sneaky backstage, and creep up on others without them knowing (like a gumshoe
). Another explanation cited by biographers and family members is that Milton, being the sickliest of the brothers, often wore rubber overshoes
, also called "gumshoes," to protect himself from taking sick in inclement weather.
Gummo died on April 21, 1977, in Palm Springs, California
. His death was never reported to Groucho, who by that time had become so ill and weak that it was thought the news would be of further detriment to his health. Groucho died four months later.
His grandsons are actors Gregg Marx
and Chris Marx.
When Richard J. Anobile asked Groucho in The Marx Bros. Scrapbook which brother to whom he was closest, Groucho replied. "Gummo. He's a nice man, and that's more than I can say for Zeppo."
Vaudeville
Vaudeville was a theatrical genre of variety entertainment in the United States and Canada from the early 1880s until the early 1930s. Each performance was made up of a series of separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill...
performer and theatrical agent. He was the fourth-born of the Marx Brothers
Marx Brothers
The Marx Brothers were an American family comedy act, originally from New York City, that enjoyed success in Vaudeville, Broadway, and motion pictures from the early 1900s to around 1950...
. Born in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, he worked with his brothers on the vaudeville circuit, but left acting when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, years before his four brothers began their legendary film career.
Biography
His military service began shortly before the Armistice, and he was therefore never sent overseas.After leaving the army, Gummo, who in an interview said he never liked being on stage, went into the raincoat
Raincoat
A raincoat is a waterproof or water-resistant coat worn to protect the body from rain. The term rain jacket is sometimes used to refer to raincoats that are waist length. A rain jacket may be combined with a pair of rain pants to make a rain suit.Modern raincoats are often constructed of...
business . Later he joined with his brother Zeppo Marx
Zeppo Marx
Herbert Manfred "Zeppo" Marx was an American film star, musician, engineer, theatrical agent and businessman. He was the youngest of the five Marx Brothers. He appeared in the first five Marx Brothers feature films, from 1929 to 1933, but then left the act to start his second career as an...
and operated a theatrical agency. After that collaboration ended, Gummo represented his brother Groucho Marx
Groucho Marx
Julius Henry "Groucho" Marx was an American comedian and film star famed as a master of wit. His rapid-fire delivery of innuendo-laden patter earned him many admirers. He made 13 feature films with his siblings the Marx Brothers, of whom he was the third-born...
and worked on the television show The Life of Riley
The Life of Riley
The Life of Riley, with William Bendix in the title role, is a popular American radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film, a long-run 1950s television series , and a 1958 Dell comic book...
, which he helped develop. He also represented other on-screen talent and a number of writers.
Gummo was well respected as a businessman. He rarely had contracts with those he represented, his philosophy being that, if they liked his work, they would continue to use him, and if not, they would seek representation elsewhere. Unlike his brothers, his social life involved primarily business people.
Gummo was given his nickname
Nickname
A nickname is "a usually familiar or humorous but sometimes pointed or cruel name given to a person or place, as a supposedly appropriate replacement for or addition to the proper name.", or a name similar in origin and pronunciation from the original name....
because he had a tendency to be sneaky backstage, and creep up on others without them knowing (like a gumshoe
Gumshoe
Gumshoe may refer to:* Gumshoe , a 1986 Nintendo shooter* Gumshoe , Stephen Frears's 1971 directorial debut* Gumshoe, the Hardboiled Detective in the 30s, a 1981 book-based game published by Sleuth Publications...
). Another explanation cited by biographers and family members is that Milton, being the sickliest of the brothers, often wore rubber overshoes
Galoshes
Galoshes , also known as boat shoes, dickersons, or overshoes, are a type of rubber boot that is slipped over shoes to keep them from getting muddy or wet. The word galoshes might be used interchangeably with boot, especially a rubberized boot...
, also called "gumshoes," to protect himself from taking sick in inclement weather.
Gummo died on April 21, 1977, in Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a desert city in Riverside County, California, within the Coachella Valley. It is located approximately 37 miles east of San Bernardino, 111 miles east of Los Angeles and 136 miles northeast of San Diego...
. His death was never reported to Groucho, who by that time had become so ill and weak that it was thought the news would be of further detriment to his health. Groucho died four months later.
His grandsons are actors Gregg Marx
Gregg Marx
Gregg Marx is an American actor known mainly for his work on two daytime soap operas.He first played the role of David Banning on Days of our Lives from 1981 to 1983. He then moved to As the World Turns where he portrayed Tom Hughes from 1984 to 1987...
and Chris Marx.
When Richard J. Anobile asked Groucho in The Marx Bros. Scrapbook which brother to whom he was closest, Groucho replied. "Gummo. He's a nice man, and that's more than I can say for Zeppo."