Durante, << duh RAN tee, >> Jimmy (1893-1980), was a popular American entertainer. His hoarse singing voice, humorous misuse of the English language, and clowning won him fame in vaudeville, the theater, nightclubs, movies, radio, and television. Durante made his large nose the object of many jokes and became known as the Schnozzola. Durante was noted for his lines “I got a million of ’em” and “Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.” He had a record hit in 1934 with the novelty song “Inka Dinka Doo,” which became his theme song. Durante appeared in almost 40 movies, most of them light comedies filmed during the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Durante was born on Feb. 10, 1893, in New York City. His full name James Francis Durante. He began his show business career playing the piano. He became a vaudeville and nightclub star in the 1920’s in a trio with Al Clayton and Eddie Jackson. Durante starred in the Broadway revue Show Girl in 1929 and made his film debut in 1930. Durante died on Jan. 29, 1980.
