Harpo Marx

Comedian, Actor

Harpo Marx was a groundbreaking comedian and actor known for his silent film performances and physical comedy, particularly in the Marx Brothers' films.

Born
February 23, 1888
Died
September 28, 1964
Quotes
11
Rank
#1008

About Harpo Marx

Harpo Marx — Life and Legacy

Harpo Marx, one of the iconic Marx Brothers, was a revolutionary figure in the world of comedy, known for his unique blend of physical humor and expressive pantomime. His silent persona allowed him to communicate profound emotions and comedic brilliance without uttering a single word, showcasing the power of non-verbal expression in entertainment. Harpo's character often represented innocence and mischief, challenging societal norms through humor. His famous line, 'I don't speak, but I can make you laugh,' encapsulates his philosophy that laughter transcends language. Through his performances, Harpo explored themes of identity and the absurdity of life, often using his antics to reflect the struggles of the common man during tough times. His ability to evoke laughter while addressing deeper human experiences made his work resonate with audiences far beyond his era. Harpo's influence on comedic performance is undeniable; he inspired countless comedians to embrace physical comedy and explore the nuances of character without relying on dialogue. Today, Harpo Marx's legacy continues to be felt in the world of comedy, as his innovative techniques and heartfelt performances remind us of the universal language of laughter. His work remains a testament to the idea that humor can be a powerful tool for connection and understanding, transcending barriers of language and culture.

Quote collection

Harpo Marx quotes

11 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Harpo Marx Comedian, Actor
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"If things get too much for you and you feel the whole world's against you, go stand on your head. If you can think of anything crazier to do, do it."

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Harpo Marx Comedian, Actor
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"The passing of an ordinary man is sad. The passing of a great man is tragic, and doubly tragic when the greatness passes before the man does."

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Harpo Marx Comedian, Actor
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"I don't know whether my life has been a success or a failure. But not having any anxiety about becoming one instead of the other, and just taking things as they come along, I've had a lot of extra time to enjoy life."

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Harpo Marx Comedian, Actor
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"Like the East Side tenement, our house was seldom without the sound of music or laughter or questions being asked or stories being told."

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Harpo Marx Comedian, Actor
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"Many years ago a very wise man named Bernard Baruch took me aside and put his arm around my shoulder. "Harpo my boy," he said, "I'm going to give you three pieces of advice, three things you should always remember." My heart jumped and I glowed with expectation. I was going to hear the magic password to a rich, full life from the master himself. "Yes sir?" I said. And he told me the three things. I regret that I've forgotten what they were."

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Harpo Marx Comedian, Actor
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"But I guess that's the way it is. When you lose something irreplaceable, you don't mourn for the thing you lost. you mourn for yourself."

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Harpo Marx Comedian, Actor
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"I saw the most frightening, most depressing sight I had ever seen - a row of stores with Stars of David and the word 'Jude' painted on them, and inside, behind half-empty counters, people in a daze, cringing like they didn't know what hit them and didn't know where the next blow would come from. Hitler had been in power only six months, and his boycott was already in full effect. I hadn't been so wholly conscious of being a Jew since my bar mitzvahs, and it was the first time since I'd had the measles that I was too sick to eat."

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Harpo Marx Comedian, Actor
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"I am the most fortunate self-taught harpist and non-speaking actor who has ever lived."

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Harpo Marx Comedian, Actor
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"In the house in Beverly Hills where our four children grew up, living conditions were a few thousand times improved over the old tenement on New York's East 93rd Street we Marx Brothers called home."

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Harpo Marx Comedian, Actor
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"He looked like something that had gotten loose from Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade."

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Harpo Marx Comedian, Actor
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"In 1944 James Arthur and Minnie Susan were added to the Marx household."

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