Gummo Marx

Milton "Gummo" Marx (October 23, 1893 – April 21, 1977) was an American vaudeville performer, criminal investigator and theatrical agent. He was the second youngest of the five Marx Brothers. Born in New York City, he worked with his brothers on the vaudeville circuit, but left acting when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War I (years before his brothers Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo began their film career).

Spouse: Helen von Tilzer (m. 1929–1976, her death)

Children: son, Robert.

Grandchildren: Gregg Marx, Chris Marx, Brett Marx

Life and career

Marx was born in New York City. His parents were Sam Marx (called "Frenchie" throughout his life), and his wife, Minnie Schoenberg Marx. Marx's family was Jewish. His mother was from Dornum in East Frisia; and his father was a native of Alsace, and worked as a tailor.

Gummo, who in an interview said he never liked being on stage, left the group and joined the military during World War I. He wasn't sent overseas since the armistice was signed shortly after. Gummo's younger brother Zeppo took his place in the group. Gummo later went into the raincoat business. After his Army career he joined with his brother Zeppo Marx and operated a theatrical agency. After that collaboration ended, Gummo represented his brother Groucho Marx and worked on the television show The Life of Riley, which he helped develop. He also represented other on-screen talent and a number of writers. Gummo was well respected as a businessman. He rarely had contracts with those he represented, his philosophy being that, if they liked his work, they would continue to use him, and if not, they would seek representation elsewhere.

Gummo was given his nickname because he had a tendency to be sneaky backstage, and creep up on others without them knowing (like a gumshoe). Another explanation cited by biographers and family members is that Milton, being the sickliest of the brothers, often wore rubber overshoes, also called "gumshoes," to protect himself from taking sick in inclement weather.

Personal life

He married Helen von Tilzer on March 16, 1929. Their son, Robert, was born in 1930.

Death

Gummo died on April 21, 1977, at his home in Palm Springs, California, aged 83 from a cerebral hemorrhage. His death was never reported to Groucho, who by that time had become so ill and weak that it was thought the news would be of further detriment to his health. Groucho died four months later.

Marx was buried at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Family members

His grandsons are actors Gregg Marx, Chris Marx, and actor/producer Brett Marx, who as a child actor appeared as 'Jimmy Feldman' in 1976's comedy film The Bad News Bears.

When Richard J. Anobile asked Groucho in The Marx Bros. Scrapbook with which brother he was closest, Groucho replied. "Gummo. He's a nice man, and that's more than I can say for Zeppo."