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Bert LahrAmerican actor and comedian
Date of Birth: 13.08.1895
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Bert Lahr
Early Life and CareerBert Lahr, born Irving Lahrheim on August 13, 1895 in New York City, was an American actor and comedian. He came from a German-Jewish family and grew up in Manhattan. At the age of 15, Lahr dropped out of school to join a troupe of young artists performing in burlesque shows. He gradually rose to stardom in the entertainment industry, particularly on Broadway.
Broadway Success
In 1927, Lahr made his Broadway debut in Harry Delmar's revue. He quickly gained popularity, performing classic numbers such as "The Song of the Woodman," which he later sang in the film "Merry-Go-Round" in 1938. His breakthrough role came in the musical comedy "Hold Everything!" in 1928-1929, where he played an award-winning boxer. He continued to have success in productions such as "Hot-Cha!" (1932), "Life Begins at 8:40" (1934), and "The Show is On" (1936), where he starred alongside renowned comedic actress Beatrice Lillie. In 1939, Lahr shone on the Broadway stage in the musical "DuBarry Was a Lady" alongside Ethel Merman.
Hollywood Career
Lahr made his film debut in "Flying High" (1931), reprising a role he had already played on stage. However, his Hollywood career was limited to short films until 1936. His most famous and groundbreaking role came in the screen adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz," released by MGM in 1939. Lahr signed his contract for the film on July 25, 1938. It was an arduous task for Lahr, as his lion costume was made of real lion hides, making it unbearably hot under the dazzling lights necessary for color filming. Despite the challenging conditions, Lahr delivered a brilliant performance as the Cowardly Lion and even performed two solo musical numbers, "If I Only Had the Nerve" and "If I Were King of the Forest." After "The Wizard of Oz," Lahr disappeared from the screens for several years before making a comeback after the war.
Later Career and Personal Life
During the second half of his career, Lahr mainly worked in television and theater. One of the highlights of his later theatrical life was his involvement in the American premiere of Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot" in 1956. Despite being an avant-garde and intellectual production, it received a restrained reception from audiences accustomed to Lahr's usual comedy and musical performances. Lahr also appeared in the film "The Night They Raided Minsky's" (1968) before falling ill.
Lahr passed away on December 4, 1967, at the age of 72. Although pneumonia was officially listed as the cause of death, it was later revealed that he had been battling cancer, which he kept hidden from everyone. The director was able to incorporate previously shot footage of Lahr into the film but had to use a stand-in for some scenes. Lahr's son, John Lahr, a theater critic for "The New Yorker," wrote a biography of his father titled "Notes on a Cowardly Lion: The Biography of Bert Lahr."
