Date of Birth: December 27, 1906
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: August 14, 1972
Biography
Oscar Levant was an American pianist, composer, author, comedian, and actor, renowned for his mordant wit and his interpretations of the music of George Gershwin. Levant was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and demonstrated exceptional musical talent from a young age. He moved to New York City in 1922 to study under the celebrated Polish pianist and composer Zygmunt Stojowski. Levant’s career spanned several decades, during which he became a well-known figure in Hollywood and the music world. In addition to his musical achievements, Levant was a prolific author, writing several books that reflected his sharp humor and deep intellect. He also appeared in numerous films, often playing himself or a character similar to his real-life persona. Levant’s struggles with mental health were well-documented, and he was one of the first public figures to openly discuss his experiences with mental illness, which endeared him to many and made him a pioneer in mental health advocacy.
5 Interesting Facts about Oscar Levant
1. Oscar Levant was one of the best-known interpreters of George Gershwin’s music and was a close friend of Gershwin himself.
2. Levant composed the music for more than twenty films and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
3. He was a regular panelist on the radio and television quiz show “Information Please,” where his quick wit made him a popular figure.
4. Levant’s autobiography, “A Smattering of Ignorance,” was a bestseller and is considered a classic of American humor writing.
5. He was a pioneer in discussing his struggles with mental health, openly talking about his experiences with psychiatric treatment and medication.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Oscar Levant
1. “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line.”
2. “Happiness isn’t something you experience; it’s something you remember.”
3. “I am no more humble than my talents require.”
4. “I envy people who drink. At least they have something to blame everything on.”
5. “I’m a self-made man, but I think if I had it to do over again, I’d call in someone else.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Oscar Levant’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Oscar Levant had three daughters with his second wife, June Gale. Their names are Marcia, Lorna, and Amanda Levant.
Relevant Links
1. [Oscar Levant – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0505013/
2. [Oscar Levant – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Levant
3. [Oscar Levant Quotes – BrainyQuote](https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/oscar-levant-quotes
4. [Oscar Levant – AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/oscar-levant-mn0000485440
5. [Oscar Levant – Find A Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/544/oscar-levant
