Harpo Marx

Date of Birth: November 23, 1888

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: September 28, 1964

Biography

Harpo Marx, born Adolph Marx, was an American comedian and actor best known as one of the Marx Brothers. He was born on November 23, 1888, in New York City. Harpo was the second-oldest of the Marx Brothers, a family comedy act that influenced the world of film and comedy in the early 20th century. Harpo was renowned for his unique comedic persona characterized by his silent performance, exaggerated facial expressions, and expert pantomime. His most distinctive trait was his silent act; he never spoke on stage or in films, communicating instead through horn honking and miming. This act was complemented by his mischievous and childlike demeanor. Harpo was also a gifted harpist, which earned him his stage name. He joined his brothers—Groucho, Chico, and Zeppo— in vaudeville performances before transitioning to Broadway and then Hollywood, where they made iconic films such as “Duck Soup” and “A Night at the Opera.” Outside of his entertainment career, Harpo was an avid art collector and a passionate advocate for civil rights. He married Susan Fleming in 1936, and the couple adopted four children. Harpo Marx passed away on September 28, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and joy.

5 Interesting Facts about Harpo Marx

1. Harpo Marx was a self-taught harpist, having learned to play the instrument without formal lessons.

2. He was part of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of New York City writers, critics, and actors.

3. Harpo was friends with Salvador Dalí and was even the subject of Dalí’s surrealist art.

4. He made a cameo appearance in the 1957 film “The Story of Mankind.”

5. Harpo was a talented artist and often sketched caricatures of his friends and colleagues.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harpo Marx

1. “The only thing I can say about my act is that I’ll knock your hat off.”

2. “I’ve been called a pantomime virtuoso and a skilled comedian. But to me, I’m simply a good-natured fool.”

3. “In the end, my little joke was on Hitler. The son of a Jewish tailor became a world-famous clown.”

4. “I’m not against laughing, but I’ve noticed that people will laugh at anything. They will even laugh at nothing.”

5. “Silence is golden, but duck tape is silver.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Harpo Marx’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, which is approximately $16 million today when adjusted for inflation.