Wig owned by Groucho Marx

Wig owned by Groucho Marx

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Description (Brief)
Black wig owned by Groucho Marx. Little is known about the use of the wig, which was bequeathed to the museum in Marx's will.
Julius H. "Groucho" Marx (1890-1977) was an influential, popular, and versatile entertainer best known for his film appearances alongside brothers Arthur ("Harpo") and Leonard ("Chico") in the 1930s and 40s. The Marx Brothers, including lesser-known siblings Herbert ("Zeppo") and Milton ("Gummo") began their careers singing and cracking jokes on vaudeville stages across the country in the 1900s. By the 1920s, the Marx Brothers had become the most popular comedians on the Broadway stage, each with a characteristic costume and persona they combined to create antic and zany performances in a series of successful musical comedies. Groucho was known for his signature eyeglasses, greasepaint mustache and eyebrows, and irreverent wisecracks The brothers' films The Coconauts, Animal Crackers, Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, Duck Soup, and A Night at the Opera among others, were critical and popular successes. In his later years Groucho was a popular solo radio, television, and film performer, helming the quiz series You Bet Your Life from 1947-1961.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
wig
user
Marx, Groucho
location where used
United States: California, Beverly Hills
Physical Description
black (overall color)
modacrylic (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 9 in; x 22.86 cm
ID Number
1987.0588.27
accession number
1987.0588
catalog number
1987.0588.27
Credit Line
Bequest of Julius H. "Groucho" Marx (through Arlene M. Breitbart)
subject
Motion Pictures
Comedians
Comedy
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Entertainment
Popular Entertainment
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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