10 Things You Didn’t Know About Eddie Foy Jr.
Introduction
Eddie Foy Jr. was an American actor, comedian, and dancer who lived from 1905 to 1983. He had a prolific career in vaudeville, film, television, and Broadway, spanning over five decades. Despite his success, there are many lesser-known facts about his life and career that are worth exploring. In this blog post, we will delve into ten things you didn’t know about Eddie Foy Jr.
1. Eddie Foy Jr. came from a famous family of performers.
Eddie Foy Jr. was born into the Foy Family, a renowned family of vaudeville performers. His father, Eddie Foy Sr., was a popular comedian and variety performer, who had his own troupe of performers. Eddie Foy Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and began performing at a young age, touring with his family’s vaudeville act, “The Seven Little Foys.”
2. He had a successful career in Hollywood.
Eddie Foy Jr. appeared in over 60 films during his career, including classics such as “The Pajama Game,” “The Lemon Drop Kid,” and “The Seven Little Foys.” He often played comedic roles and was known for his expressive face and physical comedy skills.
3. Eddie Foy Jr. was a skilled dancer.
In addition to his comedic talent, Eddie Foy Jr. was also a skilled dancer. He was known for his tap dance routines and often incorporated his dancing into his comedy performances.
4. He served in World War II.
During World War II, Eddie Foy Jr. served in the US Army as a sergeant. He was stationed in Europe and entertained troops with his comedy and musical performances.
5. Eddie Foy Jr. was a regular on television shows in the 1950s.
In the 1950s, Eddie Foy Jr. transitioned to television and appeared in several popular shows, including “The Red Skelton Hour,” “The Phil Silvers Show,” and “The Ed Sullivan Show.” He also had a recurring role on the sitcom “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.”
6. He received several Tony Award nominations.
Eddie Foy Jr. had a successful career on Broadway, appearing in productions such as “The Band Wagon,” “Rumple,” and “Skyscraper.” He received two Tony Award nominations for his performances in “Rumple” and “The Band Wagon.”
7. Eddie Foy Jr. was a philanthropist.
Throughout his life, Eddie Foy Jr. was involved in charitable work. He supported various organizations, including the Heart Fund and the United Cerebral Palsy Association. He also established the Eddie Foy Jr. School of Dance in New York City, which provided dance classes for children.
8. He was married three times.
Eddie Foy Jr. was married three times during his life. His first marriage was to Mary Jane Patten, with whom he had three children. His second marriage was to Madeline Lee, a singer and pianist. His third marriage was to Fran Dean, an actress.
FAQs
Q1. What was Eddie Foy Jr.’s most famous role?
Eddie Foy Jr. had a prolific career, appearing in many films and television shows. His most famous role was probably in the film “The Seven Little Foys,” in which he played his own father.
Q2. Did Eddie Foy Jr. ever win a Tony Award?
Although Eddie Foy Jr. was nominated for two Tony Awards, he never won the award.
Q3. Was Eddie Foy Jr. involved in any charities?
Yes, Eddie Foy Jr. was involved in charity work throughout his life. He supported organizations such as the Heart Fund and the United Cerebral Palsy Association.
Q4. Did Eddie Foy Jr. have any children?
Yes, Eddie Foy Jr. had three children with his first wife, Mary Jane Patten.
Q5. Was Eddie Foy Jr. a dancer?
Yes, Eddie Foy Jr. was a skilled dancer and often incorporated his dancing into his comedy performances.
Q6. What was Eddie Foy Jr.’s military rank?
Eddie Foy Jr. served in the US Army as a sergeant during World War II.
Q7. How many films did Eddie Foy Jr. appear in?
Eddie Foy Jr. appeared in over 60 films during his career.
Conclusion
Eddie Foy Jr. was a highly talented and respected performer, who had a successful career in vaudeville, film, television, and Broadway. His skills as a comedian, dancer, and actor were widely recognized, and he continued to entertain audiences for over five decades. Despite his fame and accolades, there are many lesser-known facts about Eddie Foy Jr. that are worth discovering. Hopefully, this blog post has shed some light on his life and career and highlighted some interesting tidbits about this legendary performer. If you’re a fan of comedy or vaudeville, be sure to check out some of Eddie Foy Jr.’s classic performances – you won’t be disappointed!