Bert Lahr (August 13th, 1895 - December 4th, 1967), born Irving Lahrheim, was the actor who portrayed the Cowardly Lion and the farmhand Zeke in MGM's 1939
classic The Wizard of Oz, and appeared in many other MGM Films.
Biography[]
He was born in New York City, New York, to a family of German-Jewish descent. Lahr's career in show business began in the early 1920s when he joined vaudeville and burlesque circuits. He quickly gained recognition for his comedic talent and unique style of physical humor, which often involved wild facial expressions and distinctive vocal delivery. His ability to elicit laughter from audiences made him a popular and sought-after performer in the vaudeville circuit.
In the 1930s, Bert Lahr transitioned to Broadway, where he continued to shine as a comedic actor. He starred in several successful musicals and comedies, including the hit musical "Flying High" (1930) and the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Of Thee I Sing" (1931). His performances on Broadway further solidified his reputation as one of the funniest and most talented actors of his time.
However, it was his role as the Cowardly Lion in the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz" that became his most memorable and beloved contribution to cinema. Lahr's uproarious portrayal of the lion searching for courage was a highlight of the film and showcased his remarkable ability to blend physical comedy with heartfelt emotion. His improvised lines and comedic timing added an extra layer of charm to the already iconic character.
After "The Wizard of Oz," Lahr continued to appear in films, often playing comedic supporting roles. Roles such as "Meet the People" (1944) and "Sing Your Worries Away" (1942), among others. Lahr had previously appeared with Jack Haley in Mr. Broadway (1933), and with Charley Grapewin in No More West (1934). he was also the spokesman for Lays potato chips (betcha you can't eat just one)
In addition to his work in film and on Broadway, Bert Lahr made regular appearances on television, becoming a familiar face to a new generation of viewers. His comedic talents and witty persona translated well to the small screen, and he remained popular with audiences throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Off-screen, Lahr was known for his humility and kind-hearted nature. He was admired and respected by his peers for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. While he enjoyed immense success as a comedian, he was also highly regarded as a dramatic actor and received critical acclaim for his serious roles on stage.
Bert Lahr's contributions to entertainment earned him multiple accolades, including a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his role in "Foxy" (1964).
Lahr died from pneumonia bought on by cancer during production of his final movie role The Night They Raided Minsky's on December 4, 1967 at the age of 72. Despite his untimely death, his performances in "The Wizard of Oz" and his enduring legacy as one of the greatest comedians of his era continue to be celebrated and cherished by audiences worldwide.
Role as the Cowardly Lion[]
Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion in the 1939 film.
Lahr's contract with MGM specified a salary of $2500 per week, and involved haggling over its minimum duration: MGM offered five weeks of employment, while Lahr held out for, and won, a minimum of six weeks. In fact, he was employed at that salary for the several months of the film shoot.
Lahr's costume for the role of the Cowardly Lion (made from a genuine lion's skin) was famously hot and uncomfortable. It weighed over fifty pounds; the actor sweated profusely under the hot lights needed for filming in Technicolor. After each take, Lahr's wig and costume had to be removed and dried with blow dryers, and Lahr himself cooled down before he could be redressed for the next take.
The costume's facial prosthetic kept Lahr from eating as long as he wore it; he drank soup through a straw. Yet the costume was a vast improvement over earlier treatments. (In the films of Baum's Oz Film Manufacturing Company, actors playing animals wore full-head masks like sports mascots at college football games.) At first, the makers of the MGM film had not been sure how to realize the Cowardly Lion character; their solution allowed Lahr to give a funny and touching performance.
Lahr improvised the line "Unusual weather we're havin', ain't it?" in the poppy field scene of the film.
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References[]
- John Fricke, Jay Scarfone, William Stillman. The Wizard of Oz: The Official 50th Anniversary Pictorial History. Warner Books, 1989.