Danny Kaye's journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age, when he left school at the tender age of 13 to work in the renowned Borscht Belt of Jewish resorts in the Catskill Mountains. It was here that he honed his skills in the art of show business, laying the foundation for a successful career that would span decades.
From his early days in the Catskill Mountains, Kaye went on to take on a variety of jobs, both in and out of the entertainment industry. In 1939, he made his Broadway debut in the stage production of "Straw Hat Revue," but it was his role in the 1940 musical "Lady in the Dark" that brought him widespread acclaim and recognition from industry agents.
In the same year, Kaye married Sylvia Fine, who would go on to play a pivotal role in his career, helping to create the routines and gags that made him a household name. Fine also wrote many of the songs that Kaye performed, showcasing his impressive vocal range and dancing abilities.
However, it was Kaye's unique talent for reciting tongue-twisting songs and monologues that truly set him apart from other performers. His impressive vocal range and comedic timing made him a standout in the world of entertainment.
After years of trying to sign Kaye to a movie contract, Samuel Goldwyn finally succeeded in 1944, casting him in a series of Technicolor musicals, including "Up in Arms" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." Kaye's success on the big screen continued with roles in "The Inspector General" and "White Christmas," the latter of which he starred alongside Bing Crosby.
One of Kaye's most memorable roles was in the 1955 comedy "The Court Jester," which featured his iconic "Pellet with the Poison" routine. However, like all things, Kaye's career eventually began to wane, and he turned his attention to television, appearing in a series of specials and eventually landing his own TV series, "The Danny Kaye Show," which ran from 1963 to 1967.
Despite his declining career, Kaye continued to appear in memorable roles, including a powerful performance as a Holocaust survivor in "Skokie" and a goofy but lovable dentist in an episode of "The Cosby Show." He also dedicated a significant amount of time and energy to his work with UNICEF, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment and beyond.
Samuel Goldwyn had been trying to sign Kaye to a movie contract for two years before he eventually agreed.
