Jerry Colonna, a multifaceted American artist, was born on September 17, 1904, and breathed his last on November 22, 1986, leaving behind a legacy of immense creative versatility.
Colonna's striking appearance, characterized by exaggerated pop-eyed facial expressions and a majestic handlebar mustache that rivalled the size of a walrus, made him an unforgettable presence. Renowned for his boisterous and comedic singing, often described as a "comic caterwaul" due to its unique blend of humor and melodiousness, Colonna's vocal talents were a hallmark of his performances. His signature catchphrase, "Who's Yehudi?", would frequently follow his retelling of an old joke, although the phrase rarely had any tangible connection to the joke itself.
Colonna's cinematic career was marked by a series of notable appearances in popular films, including three of the iconic Hope-Crosby Road films. His first notable role was as Achilles Bombassa in Road to Singapore (1940),a film that showcased his versatility as an actor. Years later, he made a memorable appearance as a Cavalry captain in Road to Rio (1947),further solidifying his reputation as a talented performer.
Colonna's impressive filmography also includes a cameo role in The Road to Hong Kong (1962),a testament to his enduring popularity and ability to adapt to changing times. In addition to his work in the Hope-Crosby Road films, Colonna featured in the Fred Allen vehicle, It's in the Bag! (1945),as the esteemed psychiatrist Dr. Greenglass. His performance in this film demonstrated his range as an actor and his ability to excel in a variety of roles.
Furthermore, Colonna made a brief but memorable appearance alongside Hope in the "Wife, Husband and Wolf" sketch in the 1942 film Star Spangled Rhythm, a testament to his ability to work well with his contemporaries and create memorable moments on screen. In 1956, he took center stage as the performer of the featured song "My Lucky Charm" in the film Meet Me in Las Vegas, starring Dan Dailey and Cyd Charisse. This performance showcased his vocal talents and ability to hold his own alongside some of the most talented performers of his time.
Colonna's impressive voice acting repertoire boasts a plethora of notable credits, including his iconic portrayal of the March Hare in the Walt Disney animated film adaptation of Lewis Carroll's timeless classic, Alice in Wonderland, which premiered in 1951 and featured the esteemed Ed Wynn as the voice of the enigmatic Mad Hatter.
Furthermore, Colonna's unique zany narration style added a touch of whimsy to several Disney shorts, including the 1946 animated film Casey at the Bat, a classic retelling of Ernest Thayer's famous poem, and The Brave Engineer, a 1950 animated short that showcased Colonna's versatility as a voice actor.
