Imogene Coca

Imogene Coca was an American actress best known for her roles in “Your Show of Shows,” “The Admiral Broadway Revue,” and “The Imogene Coca Show.” She was a talented performer who gained recognition for her comedic abilities and various television appearances throughout her career.

Personal and Family Life

Imogene Coca was born on November 18, 1908, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She came from a family involved in the arts, with her father working as a conductor in an opera house and her mother performing in vaudeville. Coca was married twice, first to Robert Baird Burton from 1935 until his death in 1955, and later to actor King Donovan from 1960 until his death in 1987.

Career Highlights

Coca began her career in entertainment as a dancer and singer, eventually transitioning into comedy. She found success in the 1950s with her partnership with Sid Caesar on “Your Show of Shows,” earning an Emmy Award for her contributions. Although she tried to launch her own shows later, such as “The Imogene Coca Show,” none matched the success of her earlier work. In her later years, she continued to perform, making memorable guest appearances on various television programs.

Death and Legacy

Imogene Coca passed away on June 2, 2001, in Westport, Connecticut, due to natural causes. She left behind a legacy as a pioneering female comedian and performer, remembered fondly for her talent and dedication to the arts. Coca’s influence and contributions to television comedy have inspired many performers who followed in her footsteps.

Filmography

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Title Release Date Character
National Lampoon’s Vacation 1983-07-29 Aunt Edna
Under the Yum-Yum Tree 1963-10-23 Dorkus Murphy
Freddie the Freeloader’s Christmas Dinner 1981-11-01 Molly – Bag Lady
Rabbit Test 1978-04-09 Madam Marie
Papa Was a Preacher 1986-09-19 Missy B
The Enchanted World of Danny Kaye: The Emperor’s New Clothes 1972-02-21 Princess Jane Klockenlocher
The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies 1981-10-06 Granny’s Maw
Ten from Your Show of Shows 1973-02-23
Nothing Lasts Forever 1984-09-06 Daisy Schackman
Dime a Dance 1937-12-23 Esmeralda
A Special Sesame Street Christmas 1978-12-08 Herself
Promises! Promises! 1963-08-01 Woman Under Hair Dryer (uncredited)
Hollywood: The Movie 1996-01-01 Roxy
In the Beginning: The Caesar Years 2012-11-13 Self
The Little Match Girl 1987-12-01 Self – Host
Too Easy to Kill 1975-10-14 Mrs. Bradshaw
The Sound of Laughter 1963-12-17 Miss Klutz (Ballerina)
Buy & Cell 1989-01-27 Reggie’s Mother
Television: The First Fifty Years 1999-01-01 Self (archive footage)
Mel Brooks: Unwrapped 2018-02-17 Self (archive footage)
Shirley Temple’s Storybook: Madeline
Mama’s Family 1983-01-22
Moonlighting 1985-03-03 Clara DiPesto
The Brady Bunch 1969-09-26
It’s About Time 1966-09-11 Shad
Night Gallery 1970-12-16 Wife (segment “The Merciful”)
Bewitched 1964-09-17
The Ed Sullivan Show 1948-06-20 Self
The Admiral Broadway Revue 1949-01-28
Your Show of Shows 1950-02-25 Self – Regular Performer
Trapper John, M.D. 1979-09-23
The Colgate Comedy Hour 1950-09-10 Self
General Electric Theater 1953-02-01 Virginia Odell
Monsters 1988-10-22
This Is Your Life 1952-10-01 Self
Grindl 1963-09-15 Grindl
The Hollywood Palace 1964-01-04 Self – Host
The Big Show 1980-03-04 Self
The Steve Allen Show 1956-06-24 Self – Guest Performer
Buzzy Wuzzy 1948-11-17