Who Is Martha Raye? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Martha Raye, born on August 27, 1916, was a prominent American comic actress and singer celebrated for her unforgettable performances in film and television. She captured hearts with her unique blend of comedy and charisma. Raye's career spanned decades, earning her numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite her passing in 1994, her contributions to the entertainment industry are still cherished.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1916 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Butte, Montana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 19 October, 1994 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Martha Raye's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Martha Raye stood at approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm) and was known for her larger-than-life personality more than for her physical stature. Her weight fluctuated throughout her career, but she was recognized for her vibrant presence and stage charisma rather than conventional beauty standards.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Martha Raye had a complex personal life, marrying and divorcing several times. She was married four times, including to actor Johnny Weissmuller and entertainer David Rose. Despite the ups and downs in her romantic relationships, Raye remained dedicated to her career. As of 2025, discussions surrounding her dating history fuel interest in her life story, reflecting both the challenges and triumphs of this beloved actress.
She was known for the size of her mouth, which was large in proportion to her face, earning her the nickname "The Big Mouth".
She later referred to this in a series of television commercials for Polident denture cleaner in the 1980s: "So take it from The Big Mouth: new Polident Green gets tough stains clean!" Her large mouth would relegate her motion picture work to supporting comic parts, and was often made up so it appeared even larger.
In the Disney cartoon Mother Goose Goes Hollywood, she is caricatured while dancing with Joe E. Brown, another actor known for a big mouth. In the Warner Bros. cartoon The Woods Are Full of Cuckoos (1937), she was caricatured as a jazzy scat-singing donkey named 'Moutha Bray'.
Net Worth and Salary
During her lifetime, Martha Raye amassed an impressive net worth, estimated at around $5 million at the time of her passing. Though specific figures regarding her earnings in 2025 are challenging to ascertain, Raye's legacy continues to thrive, with ongoing royalties from her past films, television appearances, and recordings contributing to her financial heritage.
Career, Business and Investments
Raye's career, a blend of acting, singing, and philanthropy, solidified her as a multi-talented performer. She gained fame in the 1930s and continued to be a household name for decades. Raye starred in numerous films, including "The Big Broadcast of 1938" and "Martha Raye: The Queen of Comedy," and participated in USO tours during WWII, entertaining troops. Beyond acting, she explored various business ventures, although little information is available about specific investments. Raye's impact on the entertainment industry remains influential today, with many modern artists citing her as an inspiration.
As a teenager in the early 1930s, Raye began her career as a vocalist with the Paul Ash and Boris Morros orchestras. She made her first film appearance in a band short titled A Nite in the Nite Club (1934). In 1936, she was signed for comic roles by Paramount Pictures; her first feature film was Rhythm on the Range with Bing Crosby.
She made her Broadway debut in the Harry Akst musical Calling All Stars in 1934, and later returned to Broadway in starring roles in Yip Harburg's Hold On to Your Hats (1941), Jerry Herman's Hello, Dolly! (1967), and Vincent Youmans's No, No, Nanette (1972).
Social Network
Though Martha Raye passed away in 1994, her legacy lives on through various social media platforms that celebrate her life and work. Tributes from fans and fellow entertainers continue to appear on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where new generations discover her humor and talent. Enthusiasts and historians maintain fan pages dedicated to her life and career, ensuring that her contributions to comedy and music are not forgotten.
Appreciation of her work with the USO during World War II and subsequent wars led to her being named both an honorary colonel in the U.S. Marines and an honorary lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, and earned special consideration to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Upon her death it was instead requested that she be buried with full military honors in the Fort Bragg Main Post cemetery at Spring Lake, North Carolina, home of her loving and beloved United States Army Special Forces; the Fifth Special Forces Group (Airborne) made her an honorary Green Beret for her USO work in Vietnam, including an unauthorized
visit to the Leghorn, a top secret SOG listening post on a spire in Laos.
Education
Martha Raye's formal education was cut short as she pursued her dreams in the entertainment field at a young age. She began performing at the age of 15, showcasing her comedic talent and singing prowess. While she did not attend college, her early experiences in vaudeville and theatre allowed her to develop the skills that propelled her to stardom.
Raye was a devout Methodist. She regularly attended church, she read the Bible on a daily basis, and she also taught Sunday school. Because her religious views were frequently misconstrued, she said "One paper says I'm Catholic, and the other says I'm Jewish. I guess that's fitting because, as a Methodist, I'm meant to be undetermined some of the time".
