WHO WERE THE MARX BROTHERS?

Yes, they were real brothers. And in fact, there were six — but the eldest, Manny Marx, born in 1886 — died when he was just seven months old.

“CHICO” Leonard Joseph Marx Born: March 22, 1887

Known for wearing a hat and speaking with an exaggerated fake Italian accent. He pronounced his stage name as “Chicko.” He often played a dimwitted con artist and was often shown working closely with Harpo. Chico was a talented pianist and, in the early days, served as the team’s manager. After the Marx Brothers’ career ended, Chico continued to perform vaudeville acts, attempting to cover his enormous gambling debts. He died in 1961 at age 74.

“HARPO” Adolph Marx Born: Nov. 23, 1888

The most talented musician of the bunch but who became known for his mime work, playing the harp and wearing a wig. Although his wigs appeared blond in blackand-white films, they were usually pink. Harpo had difficulty memorizing and delivering lines on stage, so he evolved into a silent character. When World War I broke out, he legally changed his first name to Arthur. He died in 1964 at age 75.

“GROUCHO” Julius Henry Marx Born: Oct. 2, 1890

The fast-talking, fast-witted brother, Groucho wore comically oversized, painted-on mustache and eyebrows, performed with a stoop and spoke with a German accent — until World War I. He also did a lot of radio work and, starting in 1947, hosted a radio quiz game show that made the transition to TV in 1950. The show lasted through 1960. He continued to make cameo appearances in movies through 1968. He died in 1977 at age 86.

“GUMMO” Milton Marx Born: Oct. 23, 1892

When he was drafted into the Army during World War I in 1918. Gummo was replaced by his younger brother. Gummo didn’t enjoy show business and elected to not return, instead going into business selling clothing and cloth. He was granted a patent in 1919 for a laundry-packing rack. He later became a Hollywood agent and managed his brothers for several years. He died in 1977 at age 84.

“ZEPPO” Leonard Joseph Marx Born: Feb. 25, 1901

As a young boy, Zeppo was known for fighting with other children. When Gummo left the brothers in 1918, 17-year-old Zeppo was absorbed into the family act to help keep him out of trouble. He played the quartet’s straight man and often the romantic lead of a storyline. He enjoyed inventing machines and left the act in 1933 to pursue a career as an engineer, eventually holding three patents. He died in 1979 at age 78.