A zany comedian and TV host who brought laughter and joy to audiences with his energetic and unpredictable stage presence, often incorporating physical comedy and silly antics.
Pinky Lee, born Pincus Leff, was an American burlesque comic, actor, and host of the popular children's television program The Pinky Lee Show in the early 1950s. He is best known for his high-energy antics, signature costume, and catchphrase "Oooooh, You make me so mad!"
Born on May 2, 1907, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lee began his career in vaudeville in the 1920s. He started as a dancer in the acclaimed Boderick Felsen vaudeville dancing act and soon became a featured tap dancer.
In the 1940s, Lee's career took off as a comic of the "baggy pants" variety on stage, specializing in slapstick, comic dancing, and rapid-fire jokes of the burlesque style. He worked on various radio programs, including Drene Time, and eventually landed his own television show.
In 1950, Lee's 30-minute primetime variety television series, The Pinky Lee Show, debuted on NBC, featuring vaudevillians and burlesque comics. The show was a huge success, leading to a subsequent children's program in 1954, also titled The Pinky Lee Show, sponsored by Tootsie Roll.
This Emmy-nominated afternoon children's program was a huge hit, spawning later imitators such as Pee-wee's Playhouse. The show opened with Lee's iconic theme song, "Yoo Hoo, It's Me!" and featured a talented cast, including Betty Jane Howarth, Jimmy Brown, Molly Bee, Jack McCoy, Mel Koontz, Cindy Sue, and Susa.
Pinky Lee's contributions to entertainment are still celebrated today. His unique blend of physical comedy, clever wordplay, and infectious energy has inspired generations of performers. He remains an iconic figure in the history of American comedy and children's television.
Pinky Lee was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on The Pinky Lee Show.
Pinky Lee passed away on April 3, 1993, but his legacy lives on as a beloved entertainer and children's television icon. His impact on American comedy and television continues to inspire new generations of performers and audiences alike.
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