Bert Lahr

Date of Birth: August 13, 1895

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: December 4, 1967

Biography

Bert Lahr, born Irving Lahrheim on August 13, 1895, was a celebrated American actor and comedian. He is best known for his iconic role as the Cowardly Lion in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz” (1939). Lahr began his career in vaudeville and burlesque, where he honed his comedic skills and developed his distinctive style. His transition to Broadway was marked by notable performances in productions such as “Hold Everything!” and “Flying High.” Lahr’s versatility as a performer allowed him to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles. His career spanned several decades, during which he appeared in numerous films, stage productions, and television shows. Despite his success on screen, Lahr continued to be a prominent figure in the theater world, earning acclaim for his performances in plays like “Waiting for Godot.” Lahr’s personal life was equally eventful. He married twice and had three children. Bert Lahr passed away on December 4, 1967, leaving behind a legacy as one of America’s most beloved comedic actors.

5 Interesting Facts about Bert Lahr

1. Bert Lahr’s real name was Irving Lahrheim.

2. He won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance in “Foxy” in 1964.

3. Lahr’s portrayal of the Cowardly Lion included improvisations that became iconic, such as the line “If I Were King of the Forest.”

4. He was posthumously inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1985.

5. Lahr struggled with severe stage fright throughout his career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bert Lahr

1. “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”

2. “I was born with a nervous breakdown.”

3. “A comedian’s body is funny as well as his mind being funny, his whole personage is funny.”

4. “If you want to be a star, don’t bother doing it in vaudeville.”

5. “Vaudeville was my university.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Bert Lahr’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a substantial amount for his time.

Children

Bert Lahr had three children. He had two children with his first wife, Mercedes Delpino: a daughter named Jane and a son named Herbert. With his second wife, Mildred Schroeder, he had a son named John, who became a well-known author and theater critic.