Origins & Early Life

Arthur "Harpo" Marx (born Adolph Marx; November 23, 1888 – September 28, 1964) was an American comedian, actor and harpist, and the second-oldest of the Marx Brothers. In contrast to the mainly verbal comedy of his brothers Groucho and Chico, Harpo's comic style was visual, being an example of vaudeville, clown and pantomime traditions. In all of his movie appearances, he wore a curly reddish blonde wig and did not speak, instead blowing a horn or whistling to communicate. Marx frequently employed props such as a horn cane constructed from a lead pipe, tape, and a bulbhorn.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Most of the Marx Brothers' stage and film appearances included a song performed by Harpo on the harp in his unique style, for example "When My Dreams Come True" in The Cocoanuts (1929) and "Alone" in A Night at the Opera (1935). Harpo was born on November 23, 1888, in Manhattan, New York City. He grew up in Yorkville, a neighborhood now known as Carnegie Hill, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, on East 93rd Street off Lexington Avenue. The turn-of-the-century tenement that Harpo later called "the first real home I can remember" was situated in a neighborhood populated with European immigrants...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Arthur M. Schlesinger Sr. — Contemporary (Born in 1888) (1888): Pioneering American historian known for social and urban history.
• Barghash bin Said of Zanzibar — Contemporary (Died in 1888) (1888): Second Sultan of Zanzibar, known for building Stone Town's infrastructure.
• Barry Fitzgerald — Contemporary (Born in 1888) (1888): Esteemed Irish actor known for his versatile stage and screen performances.
• Abedi Pele — Contemporary (Born in 1964) (1964): Legendary Ghanaian footballer, celebrated for his attacking prowess and leadership.
• Adam Yauch — Contemporary (Born in 1964) (1964): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• Angela James — Contemporary (Born in 1964) (1964): Pioneering Canadian ice hockey star, celebrated for her dominance in the 1980s and 1990s.
• Ahmad ibn Hanbal — Shared historical date (11-23 · Born) (780): Founding scholar of the Hanbali school, renowned for vast Hadith memorization.
• Alan Mullery — Shared historical date (11-23 · Born) (1941): Iconic English footballer and manager known for his time at Fulham and Spurs.
• Alexandre Cabanel — Shared historical date (09-28 · Born) (1823): Prominent French Academic painter, celebrated for historical and mythological subjects.
• Althea Gibson — Shared historical date (09-28 · Died) (2003): Pioneering American tennis and golf star who broke racial barriers in sports.
• 1888 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1888
• November 23 (11-23) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 23
• 1964 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1964
• September 28 (09-28) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 28