Martha Raye, affectionately nicknamed The Big Mouth, was an incredibly gifted American comedic actress and singer who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Originally christened Margy Reed, she embarked on her remarkable career in the early 1930s as a skilled band vocalist, proudly performing alongside the esteemed Paul Ash and Boris Morros orchestras.
Raye's milestone moment of recognition arrived in 1936, marking a significant turning point in her career as she was formally signed by Paramount Pictures to play comedic roles, subsequently making her debut picture for the esteemed studio alongside the renowned crooner Bing Crosby in the 1936 film Rhythm on the Range. This auspicious beginning was merely the starting point for a long and illustrious career, as Raye continued to appear in numerous films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, collaborating with some of the most prominent comedians of her time, including the iconic Joe E. Brown, the irrepressible Bob Hope, the inimitable W. C. Fields, the legendary Abbott and Costello, the groundbreaking Charlie Chaplin, and the incomparable Jimmy Durante.
Noted British actress, Raye, was often typecast due to her striking facial feature, a large mouth that earned her the affectionate nickname "The Big Mouth". This distinctive characteristic frequently limited her to supporting comedic roles in films, a circumstance she would later humorously reference in a series of television advertisements for Polident denture cleaner during the 1980s.
As a result of her prominent mouth, Raye's feature was frequently caricatured in various cartoons, including the animated films "Mother Goose Goes Hollywood" and "The Woods Are Full Of Cuckoos", showcasing her enduring impact on popular culture.
Not only did the talented actress, actress, continue to hone her craft in the film industry, but she also made a significant impact on the small screen by gracing the presence of numerous television programs, showcasing her versatility and range as a performer.
Some of her notable television appearances include guest starring roles on the iconic shows, The Love Boat, Alice, Murder, She Wrote, The Andy Williams Show, and McMillan & Wife, demonstrating her ability to effortlessly adapt to various roles and genres.
In addition to her work on scripted television shows, Raye also made appearances on variety programs, such as The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show, highlighting her talent for performing in front of a live audience.
Later in her career, she continued to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry by lending her talents to television commercials, specifically for Polident denture cleanser, further solidifying her status as a beloved and respected figure in the world of entertainment.
Throughout the extensive and distinguished trajectory of her remarkable profession, Raye garnered recognition for her selfless humanitarian endeavors, ultimately being bestowed the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 1969 Academy Awards in acknowledgment of her tireless volunteer efforts and dedication to serving the brave men and women of the armed forces.
As her illustrious career drew to a close, Raye made a final on-screen appearance in the 1979 disaster film, The Concorde... Airport '79, a cinematic production that would serve as her last major film credit.
In the subsequent years, Raye continued to maintain a prominent presence in the world of advertising, lending her iconic image to numerous television commercials for Polident denture cleanser, a brand with which she remained affiliated until the 1980s.
Martha Raye, a multifaceted artist of unparalleled skill, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, her remarkable career spanning numerous decades and multiple genres.
