Jimmy Durante was an American actor who is best known for his unique voice, comedic style, and for his roles in films such as “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” and “Blondie of the Follies.”
Personal and Family Life
Born James Francis Durante on February 10, 1893, in New York City, he had a very influential career in entertainment. Durante was married twice; his first wife, Jeanne Olsen, passed away in 1943. He later married Margie Little in 1960 after a long courtship, and they adopted a daughter, Cecelia Alicia, on Christmas of that year. Durante loved and cared for his daughter deeply throughout his life.
Death and Legacy
Jimmy Durante died on January 29, 1980, in Santa Monica, California, due to pneumonia. He left behind a legacy as a beloved entertainer known for his signature nose, his charm, and his ability to make people laugh. Durante is remembered for his trademark hats, witty humor, and a deep, gravelly voice that delighted audiences for decades.
Filmography
Title
Release Date
Character
Blondie of the Follies
1932-09-01
Jimmy
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
1963-11-07
Smiler Grogan
Palooka
1934-01-26
Knobby Walsh
The Man Who Came to Dinner
1941-12-24
Banjo
Frosty the Snowman
1969-12-07
Narrator (voice)
Billy Rose’s Jumbo
1962-12-06
Anthony (‘Pop’) Wonder
Speak Easily
1932-08-13
James
On an Island with You
1948-05-03
Buckley
Little Miss Broadway
1938-07-29
Jimmy Clayton
This Time for Keeps
1947-10-17
Ferdi Farro
The Great Rupert
1950-03-01
Mr. Louie Amendola
It Happened in Brooklyn
1947-03-13
Nick Lombardi
Roadhouse Nights
1930-02-15
Daffy (as Durante)
Two Girls and a Sailor
1944-06-14
Billy Kipp / Julian Kipp
The Passionate Plumber
1932-02-06
Julius J. McCracken
What! No Beer?
1933-02-10
Jimmy Potts
Pepe
1960-12-21
Jimmy Durante
Broadway to Hollywood
1933-09-15
Jimmy
The Cuban Love Song
1931-11-18
O.O. Jones
Start Cheering
1938-03-03
Willie Gumbatz
The Wet Parade
1932-03-26
Abe Shilling
Meet the Baron
1933-10-20
Joe McGoo
The Milkman
1950-10-17
Breezy Albright
The Phantom President
1932-09-23
Curly Cooney
George White’s Scandals
1934-03-15
Happy McGillicuddy
Give a Man a Job
1933-01-31
Strictly Dynamite
1934-05-11
Moxie
Hollywood Party
1934-05-24
Jimmy Durante
Alice Through the Looking Glass
1966-11-06
Humpty Dumpty
Land Without Music
1936-10-07
Jonah J. Whistler
Melody Ranch
1940-09-15
Cornelius J. Courtney
Music for Millions
1944-12-18
Andrews
Hell Below
1933-06-08
Ptomaine’ – Ships Cook
Student Tour
1934-10-05
Hank Merman
Don Knotts: Tied Up with Laughter
2011-04-09
Himself
New Adventures of Get Rich Quick Wallingford
1931-10-03
Schnozzle
Sally, Irene and Mary
1938-03-04
Jefferson Twitchel
The Christmas Party
1931-12-17
Santa Claus (uncredited)
Two Sisters from Boston
1946-06-06
‘Spike’
The New March of Dimes Presents: The Scene Stealers