Stubby Kaye was an American actor best known for his roles in “Guys and Dolls,” “Li’l Abner,” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”. He had a vibrant career in theater, film, and television, captivating audiences with his unique performances.
Personal and Family Life
Stubby Kaye was born Bernard Sholem Kotzin on November 11, 1918, in New York City. He was married twice, first to Jean Anne Watson in 1961, which ended in divorce a year later, and then to Angela Bracewell in 1967, who was a former Broadway chorus girl. Kaye was also related to comedian Bill Maher, who was his cousin.
Career Highlights
Kaye began his entertainment career in 1939 after winning a radio contest and spent over a decade performing in vaudeville. He gained fame on Broadway as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in “Guys and Dolls,” where he performed memorable songs like “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” He also made appearances in various films and musicals throughout the 1960s and is remembered for his vibrant stage presence.
Death and Legacy
Stubby Kaye passed away on December 14, 1997, due to lung cancer at the age of 79. His contributions to the Broadway stage and film left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, and he is remembered for his warm portrayals of characters that brought joy to many.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Who Framed Roger Rabbit | 1988-06-21 | Marvin Acme |
| Guys and Dolls | 1955-12-23 | Nicely-Nicely Johnson |
| Li’l Abner | 1959-12-11 | Marryin’ Sam |
| The Way West | 1967-05-24 | Sam Fairman |
| Sex and the Single Girl | 1964-12-25 | Helen’s Cabbie |
| Cat Ballou | 1965-06-24 | Shouter – Sam the Shade |
| Sweet Charity | 1969-02-25 | Herman |
| Doctor Who: Delta and the Bannermen | 1987-11-16 | Weismuller |
| The Cool Mikado | 1963-01-07 | Judge Herbert Mikado / Charlie Hotfleisch |
| The Dinah Shore Chevy Show | 1956-10-05 | Self |