Bert Kalmar, a distinguished American lyricist, entered the world on February 10, 1884, in the vibrant city of New York, a place where his artistic journey would soon unfold. Leaving the confines of formal education at a relatively young age, Kalmar ventured into the world of vaudeville, where he astounded audiences with his multifaceted talents as a magician, comedian, and dancer.
Kalmar's publishing firm, officially known as Kalmar, Puck, Abrahams, Consolidated, Inc., entered into a collaborative partnership with Maurice Abrahams, thereby gaining access to a vast network of talented songwriters, including the renowned Harry Ruby. As a result of this partnership, Kalmar and Ruby developed a lasting songwriting partnership, which would go on to yield a plethora of iconic musical compositions. In fact, by 1918, the duo had already established themselves as a formidable creative force, with their work soon to be showcased in the Marx Brothers' groundbreaking stage production of Animal Crackers in 1928. This initial collaboration would eventually give rise to a film adaptation of the same production, further solidifying Kalmar and Ruby's reputation as a dynamic and innovative songwriting duo.
The remarkable creative endeavors of Kalmar and Ruby, whose melodic masterpieces found their way into the iconic Marx Brothers' films, specifically Horse Feathers (1932) and Duck Soup (1933),a testament to the enduring appeal of their harmonious partnership.
As the curtain closed on their storied collaboration, the 1950 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical Three Little Words, starring the inimitable Fred Astaire and the incomparable Red Skelton, served as a fitting tribute to the Kalmar and Ruby legacy.
In addition to their fruitful partnership, Kalmar also had the privilege of working alongside other notable songwriters, including the illustrious Oscar Hammerstein II and the talented Ted Snyder, further solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.
Bert Kalmar, a multifaceted individual, maintained a personal life marked by a union with Jessie Brown, with whom he shared the joys of parenthood, welcoming two children into the world.
However, despite the happiness that his family brought him, Kalmar's marriage to Jessie ultimately came to an end with a divorce.
As the years went by, Bert Kalmar's life took a somber turn, as he passed away on September 18, 1947, in the city of angels, Los Angeles, California.
In accordance with his final wishes, Kalmar was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery, a serene and peaceful haven located in the charming city of Glendale, California.
