Fanny Brice

Date of Birth: October 29, 1891

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: May 29, 1951

Biography

Fanny Brice, born Fania Borach, was an iconic American comedian, singer, and actress, best known for her work in vaudeville and as a star of the Ziegfeld Follies. Born on October 29, 1891, in New York City, she began her career in the early 1900s, quickly becoming a beloved figure in the entertainment world. Brice was particularly famous for her comedic timing and her ability to bring characters to life, most notably the bumbling, Yiddish-accented character “Baby Snooks.” She transitioned to radio in the 1930s, where her “Baby Snooks” character became a staple of American entertainment. Her ability to blend humor with pathos made her a versatile performer, capable of evoking both laughter and tears from her audience. Brice’s life was later immortalized in the Broadway musical and film “Funny Girl,” where she was portrayed by Barbra Streisand.

5 Interesting Facts about Fanny Brice

1. Fanny Brice was one of the first female comedians to achieve widespread fame in the United States.

2. She was married three times, most famously to professional gambler and con artist Nicky Arnstein.

3. Her portrayal by Barbra Streisand in “Funny Girl” earned Streisand an Academy Award for Best Actress.

4. Brice was one of the highest-paid performers of her time, earning $2,500 a week at the peak of her career.

5. She was a pioneer in transitioning from stage to radio, with her “Baby Snooks” show running for over 20 years.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Fanny Brice

1. “Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be.”

2. “Your audience gives you everything you need. They tell you. There is no director who can direct you like an audience.”

3. “I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to do except really be myself.”

4. “Men always fall for frigid women because they put on the best show.”

5. “Being a funny person is not easy. It takes a lot of sacrifice to put a smile on someone else’s face.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Fanny Brice had an estimated net worth of $10 million (adjusted for inflation).

Children

Fanny Brice had two children: 1. Frances Arnstein (1919–1992) – She later became known as Frances Brice Stark, a philanthropist. 2. William Brice (1921–2008) – He became a well-known artist and professor of fine art.