Guy Marks was an American actor who is best known for Rango, You Again?, and his stand-up comedy performances. He was a talented impressionist and entertainer, with a career that spanned various venues, including nightclubs and television.
Personal and Family Life
Born Mario John Scarpa on October 31, 1923, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Guy was the youngest of eleven children in his family. His father, Ermelindo Scarpa, was a concert clarinetist and part of the RCA Recording Orchestra, while his mother’s name was Adelina. Throughout his life, he was married and divorced multiple times, and he is survived by two brothers and five sisters.
Career Overview
Guy Marks began his career in comedy at a young age, specializing in impersonations of a wide variety of subjects, from animals to inanimate objects. He performed frequently on the nightclub circuit, often opening for stars such as Eddie Fisher and Sammy Davis Jr. He made notable appearances on several television shows and had success with a comedy series alongside Tim Conway, where he played Pink Cloud in Rango. Additionally, he gained popularity for his novelty song “Loving You Has Made Me Bananas” in the 1970s.
Death and Legacy
Guy Marks passed away on November 28, 1987, in Brigantine, New Jersey, from pneumonia due to lung cancer. Despite not being a mainstream actor, his unique talents as a comic and impressionist left a lasting impression on those who knew of his work. His contributions to comedy and television are celebrated, and elements of his performances remain in video compilations of classic shows.
Filmography
Title | Type | Role | Year |
---|---|---|---|
You Again? | TV Series | Harry | 1986 |
Bungle Abbey | TV Movie | Brother Hush | 1981 |
Don’t Miss the Boat | TV Movie | 1980 | |
Police Woman | TV Series | Morrell | 1977–1978 |
Dean’s Place | TV Special | Bartender | 1976 |
Peeper | Film | Man in Alley – Bogart Imitator | 1975 |
Train Ride to Hollywood | Film | Humphrey Bogart | 1975 |
McCoy | TV Series | Mickie | 1975 |
The Odd Couple | TV Series | Igor | 1974 |
Here’s Lucy | TV Series | Crook | 1969 |