Danny Kaye
Biography
Danny Kaye was an American actor, comedian, singer, and dancer. Born on January 18, 1911, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA, he is known for his performances featuring physical comedy, idiosyncratic pantomimes, and rapid-fire novelty songs. Kaye starred in 23 films, including notable titles such as Wonder Man, The Kid from Brooklyn, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and White Christmas. His films were popular for his performances of patter songs and favorites like "Inchworm" and "The Ugly Duckling". He was the first ambassador-at-large of UNICEF in 1954. Kaye passed away on March 3, 1987, at the age of 76.
Career overview
Danny Kaye's acting career spanned multiple film genres, showcasing his versatility as a performer. He starred in 23 films, many of which featured his signature blend of physical comedy, pantomime, and rapid-fire novelty songs. Kaye's on-screen presence was characterized by his unique style, which included patter songs and memorable performances.
Some of Kaye's most notable films include Wonder Man, The Kid from Brooklyn, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Inspector General, Hans Christian Andersen, White Christmas, and The Court Jester. These movies showcased his ability to excel in a variety of roles, often incorporating his signature comedic style. His performances of songs such as "Inchworm" and "The Ugly Duckling" became fan favorites.
Throughout his acting career, Kaye demonstrated a range of talents, from comedy to drama. His ability to adapt to different roles and genres made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His filmography serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the world of cinema.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full filmography
- Remembering Gene Wilder (2024) as Self (archive footage)
- À la recherche de... Pierre Richard (2017) as Self - Actor (archive footage)
- Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration (2015) as Self (archive footage)
- The Clinger Sisters: The First Girls of Rock & Roll (2015) as Self (archive footage)
- Bing Crosby: Rediscovered (2014) as Self (archive footage)
- Fascination: Unauthorized Story of Marilyn Monroe (2012) as Self (archive footage)
- A Portrait of Danny Kaye (2007) as Self (archive footage)
- Edith Head: The Paramount Years (2002) as Self (archive footage)
- Hollywood Musicals of the 40's (2000) as Self (archive footage)
- 'White Christmas': A Look Back with Rosemary Clooney (2000) as Phil Davis (archive footage) (uncredited)
- The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender (1997) as Self (archive footage)
- Bogart: The Untold Story (1997) as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Sports on the Silver Screen (1997) as Self (archive footage)
- Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas (1997) as Phil Davis (archive footage)
- The Best Of Danny Kaye - The Television Years (1993) as Self (archive footage)
- The Twilight Zone (1985) as Gaspar (segment "Paladin of the Lost Hour")
- Night of 100 Stars II (1985) as Self
- That's Dancing! (1985) as From 'White Christmas' (archive footage)
- Hollywood's Funniest All-Star Bloopers (1985) as Self (archive footage)
- The Cosby Show (1984) as Dr. Burns
- Showbiz Goes to War (1982) as (archive footage)
- EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration (1982) as Self
- An Evening with Danny Kaye and the New York Philharmonic (1981) as Self
- Skokie (1981) as Max Feldman
- Musical Comedy Tonight II (1981) as Self
- Kraft Salutes Disneyland's 25th Anniversary (1980) as Self - Host
- The Hollywood Clowns (1979) as (archive footage)
- The Kennedy Center Honors (1978) as Self
- Auf los geht's los (1977) as Self
- The Muppet Show (1976) as Self - Special Guest Star
- Live from Lincoln Center (1976) as Self
- Pinocchio (1976) as Boris Stroganoff / Geppetto
- Songs for After a War (1976) as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
- CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years (1976) as Self
- Peter Pan (1976) as Captain Hook / Mr. Darling
- An Evening with John Denver (1975) as Self
- The American Film Institute Salute to ... (1973) as Self
- Le Grand Échiquier (1972) as Self
- The Emperor's New Clothes (1972) as Self / Marmaduke (voice)
- V.I.P. Schaukel (1971) as Self
- Here Comes Peter Cottontail (1971) as Seymour S. Sassafras / Colonel Wellington B. Bunny / Antoine (voice)
- The Madwoman of Chaillot (1969) as The Ragpicker
- The Dick Cavett Show (1968) as Self - Guest
- Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1968) as Self
- Salute to Stan Laurel (1965) as Self
- The Danny Kaye Show (1963) as Self - Host
- The Man from the Diners' Club (1963) as Ernest Klenk
- The Sound of Laughter (1963) as Nikolai Nikolayevich
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Merv Griffin Show (1962) as Self
- The Lucy Show (1962) as Danny Kaye
- The DuPont Show of the Week (1961) as Self
- On the Double (1961) as Pfc. Ernie Williams
- Lifetime of Comedy (1960) as (archive footage)
- The Five Pennies (1959) as Red Nichols
- Me and the Colonel (1958) as S.L. Jacobowsky
- Merry Andrew (1958) as Andrew Larabee
- The All-Star Christmas Show (1958) as Self
- Assignment Children (1955) as Self - Narrator
- The Court Jester (1955) as Hubert Hawkins
- White Christmas (1954) as Phil Davis
- Knock on Wood (1954) as Jerry Morgan
- The Oscars (1953) as Self
- Hans Christian Andersen (1952) as Hans Christian Andersen
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Captain Hook
- On the Riviera (1951) as Jack Martin / Henri Duran
- What's My Line? (1950) as Self - Mystery Guest
- The Bob Hope Show (1950) as Self
- The Emmy Awards (1949) as Self
- It's a Great Feeling (1949) as Danny Kaye (uncredited)
- Breakdowns of 1949 (1949) as Self
- The Inspector General (1949) as Georgi
- Task Force (1949) as Officer at the Dance (uncredited)
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self
- A Song Is Born (1948) as Hobart Frisbee
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947) as Walter Mitty
- The Kid from Brooklyn (1946) as Burleigh Sullivan
- Wonder Man (1945) as Edwin Dingle / Buzzy Bellew
- Up in Arms (1944) as Danny Weems
- I Am an American (1944) as Self (uncredited)
- Night Shift (1942) as Danny Kaye
- Money on Your Life (1938) as Nikolai Nikolaevich
- Getting an Eyeful (1938) as Nikolai Nikolaevich
- Cupid Takes a Holiday (1938) as Nikolai Nikolaevich
- Dime a Dance (1937) as Eddie