Marx Brothers Marx Brothers, five 20th-century American comedians, born in New York City.

Marx Brothers Marx Brothers, five 20th-century American comedians, born in New York City. The brothers were known by their professional names: Chico Marx (born Leonard, 18911961), Gummo Marx (Milton, 1892-1977), Harpo Marx (Adolph, also known as Arthur, 1893-1964), Groucho Marx (Julius, 1895-1977), and Zeppo Marx (Herbert, 1901-1979). The Marx brothers began their careers in vaudeville as the Nightingales. Later the four oldest brothers appeared with their mother and aunt as the Six Mascots, then billed themselves as the Marx Brothers. (Zeppo, the youngest, replaced Gummo in the act before the group became stars on Broadway and in motion pictures.) The brothers appeared in a number of film comedies noted chiefly for their zany sight gags. Such films include Animal Crackers (1930), Horse Feathers (1932), and Duck Soup (1933). After Zeppo retired in 1933, Harpo, Chico, and Groucho appeared with great success in A Night at the Opera (1935), A Day at the Races (1937), and Room Service (1938). Their last film as a team was Love Happy (1950). Each brother had readily identifiable characteristics. For example, Groucho had a caustic wit and usually appeared with a cigar and mustache; Chico spoke in an Italian accent and played the piano; Harpo communicated in pantomime and played the harp. After the brothers ceased making films, Groucho continued his entertainment career as master of ceremonies of the television series You Bet Your Life. He wrote the autobiographical Groucho and Me (1959) and Memoirs of a Mangy Lover (1964). Harpo published his autobiography, Harpo Speaks, in 1961. The brothers inspired the musical Minnie's Boys (1970), which was coauthored by Groucho's son Arthur. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.