A comedic actor and dancer, best known for his iconic role as the Cowardly Lion in the classic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz".
Bert Lahr, born Irving Lahrheim, was an American stage and screen actor, and comedian, best known for his iconic role as the Cowardly Lion in the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. This beloved character, alongside his counterpart Kansas farmworker Zeke, cemented Lahr's place in the hearts of audiences everywhere.
Born on August 13, 1895, in the Yorkville section of Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York City, Lahr was the son of German-Jewish immigrants, Jacob and Augusta Lahrheim. He attended P.S. 77 and Morris High School, leaving school at age 15 to pursue a career in show business.
Lahr began performing in minor parts on vaudeville stages at just 14 years old. He eventually received top billing, working for the Columbia Amusement Company, and later debuted on Broadway in Harry Delmar's Revels in 1927. His early success led to starring roles in musicals such as (1928-1929), Flying High (1930), and Florenz Ziegfeld's Hot-Cha! (1932).
In 1939, Lahr costarred as Louis Blore alongside Ethel Merman in the Broadway production of DuBarry Was a Lady, receiving critical acclaim. He continued to perform on stage throughout his career, including notable performances in Hotel Paradiso and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
In addition to his iconic role in The Wizard of Oz, Lahr appeared in numerous films, including Merry-Go-Round of 1938, Androcles and the Lion (1952), and The Night They Raided Minsky's (1968).
Lahr was posthumously inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1968, with a star located at 6548 Hollywood Boulevard. He received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in Hotel Paradiso in 1957.
Lahr married Millicent Weaver in 1937, and they remained together until his death in 1967. He had two children, Herbert Lahr and Jane Lahr.
Bert Lahr's impact on the entertainment industry is still felt today. His iconic performance as the Cowardly Lion continues to inspire new generations of actors, comedians, and audiences alike. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and dedication to one's craft.
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