Victor Borge

Date of Birth: January 3, 1909

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: December 23, 2000

Biography

Victor Borge, born Børge Rosenbaum, was a Danish-American comedian, conductor, and pianist renowned for his unique blend of music and comedy. Born on January 3, 1909, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Borge began his musical education at a young age under the tutelage of his parents, both musicians. He showed prodigious talent and went on to study at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. Borge’s career took off in the 1930s in Denmark, where he performed classical music interspersed with humorous commentary. With the rise of Nazi Germany, being Jewish, Borge fled to the United States in 1940. He quickly adapted to his new country, learning English and making his American radio debut on Bing Crosby’s Kraft Music Hall. During World War II, Borge entertained troops and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1948. His television career flourished in the 1950s with appearances on popular shows like “The Victor Borge Show” and “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Known for his “phonetic punctuation” and humorous interpretations of classical pieces, Borge’s acts were a hit worldwide. Borge continued to perform into his 90s, earning numerous accolades, including a Kennedy Center Honor in 1999. He passed away on December 23, 2000, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved comedians and musicians of his time.

5 Interesting Facts about Victor Borge

1. Victor Borge escaped Nazi-occupied Denmark by disguising himself and fleeing across the Atlantic on the last neutral ship to leave Europe.

2. He was often referred to as “The Clown Prince of Denmark” and “The Great Dane” due to his comedic prowess and Danish heritage.

3. Borge was a talented pianist who could have had a purely classical music career but chose to incorporate humor into his performances.

4. He founded the Thanks to Scandinavia scholarship organization to honor those who helped Jews escape the Nazis during World War II.

5. Borge’s famous “phonetic punctuation” routine involves reading aloud punctuation marks, turning a simple sentence into a comedic performance.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Victor Borge

1. “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.”

2. “I wish to thank my parents for making it all possible… and I wish to thank my children for making it necessary.”

3. “One afternoon I was sitting in the living room, and the doorbell rang. I went to the door, and a man was standing there. He said, ‘I’m a piano tuner.’ I said, ‘I didn’t send for a piano tuner.’ He said, ‘I know, but your neighbors did.’”

4. “Humor is something that thrives between man’s aspirations and his limitations. There is more logic in humor than in anything else. Because, you see, humor is truth.”

5. “Santa Claus has the right idea – visit people only once a year.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Victor Borge’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Victor Borge had five children: Ronald, Janet, Sanna, Victor Jr., and Frederikke. His children have pursued various careers, with some continuing his artistic legacy.