Who Is Milton Berle? Age, Biography and Wiki
Milton Berle, born on July 12, 1908, in New York City, was a trailblazing American comedian and actor. Often dubbed "Mr. Television," Berle's career spanned decades, captivating audiences with his extraordinary sense of humor and charismatic performance on screen. He became a household name with his groundbreaking television performances, particularly on "The Milton Berle Show," which significantly shaped the entertainment landscape. Berle passed away on March 27, 2002, leaving behind an indelible mark on comedy and television.
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1908 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 March, 2002 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Milton Berle's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details on Milton Berle's height and weight may not be extensively documented, he was known to have a robust presence on stage and screen. His larger-than-life personality often eclipsed traditional metrics, making him a memorable figure in the world of entertainment.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Milton Berle married three times during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Ruth Cosgrove in 1929, which lasted until their divorce in 1939. He later married actress and producer, Ann Marie Rizzo, in 1941; they had two children together. Berle's third marriage was to Harriette Crone, in 1953, which lasted until his passing. Throughout his life, Berle was known for his many romantic escapades, but his love for his family remained a constant.
His given name was Mendel Berlinger, but he chose Milton Berle as his professional name when he was 16. His father, Moses Berlinger (1872–1938), was of German-Jewish descent and worked as a paint and varnish salesman.
His mother, Sarah (Sadie) Glantz Berlinger (1877–1954), who was of Polish-Jewish ancestry, changed her name to Sandra Berle when Milton became famous. He had three older brothers (from oldest to youngest): Phil, Frank, and Jack Berle.
For many years, the latter two worked on Berle's TV production staff while Phil was a programming executive at NBC.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2002, Milton Berle's net worth was estimated to be $40 million. His wealth was accumulated through a successful career in film, television, and stage performances, alongside lucrative endorsements and appearances. His long-standing impact on television comedy has made him a significant figure in entertainment history.
Berle asked NBC to switch from live broadcasts to film, which would have made possible reruns (and residual income from them); he was angered when the network refused. However, NBC did consent to make a kinescope of each show.
Later, Berle was offered 25% ownership of the TelePrompTer Corporation by its inventor, Irving Berlin Kahn, if he would replace cue cards with the new device on his program. He turned down the offer.
Career, Business and Investments
Milton Berle's career began in vaudeville and later transitioned to radio and television. He gained fame with "The Texaco Star Theatre," a popular television variety show that showcased his comedic talent. Berle also appeared in numerous films and television shows, including guest roles on prominent series such as "The Love Boat" and "The Muppet Show." Beyond performance, Berle ventured into business through endorsements and his own production company, ensuring his contributions to entertainment extended beyond acting.
Milton Berle (born Mendel Berlinger; ; July 12, 1908 – March 27, 2002) was an American actor and comedian. His career as an entertainer spanned over eight decades, first in silent films and on stage as a child actor, then in radio, movies and television.
As the host of NBC's Texaco Star Theatre (1948–1953), he was the first major American television star and was known to millions of viewers as "Uncle Miltie" and "Mr. Television" during the first Golden Age of Television. He was honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in both radio and TV.
Social Network
Milton Berle was a beloved figure with a wide-reaching social network in the entertainment industry. He interacted with numerous celebrities and often collaborated with fellow comedians, actresses, and actors. Although social media as we know it today did not exist during his lifetime, Berle's legacy continues to be celebrated through memorials and retrospectives on various platforms.
Berle dominated Tuesday night television for the next several years, reaching the number one slot in the Nielsen ratings with as much as a 97% share of the viewing audience. Berle and the show each won Emmy Awards after the first season. Fewer movie tickets were sold on Tuesdays.
Some theaters, restaurants, and other businesses shut down for the hour or closed for the evening so their customers would not miss Berle's antics. Berle's autobiography notes that in Detroit, "an investigation took place when the water levels took a drastic drop in the reservoirs on Tuesday nights between 9 and 9:05.
It turned out that everyone waited until the end of the Texaco Star Theatre before going to the bathroom."
Education
Milton Berle pursued his education at the prestigious Professional Children's School in New York City. His early experiences in theater and performance laid the foundation for his incredible career in comedy and television. Berle's education and upbringing in an artistic environment greatly influenced his comedic style, contributing to his success as one of the industry's early pioneers.
In conclusion, Milton Berle remains a monumental figure in American entertainment history, whose contributions to comedy and television continue to inspire performers today. While he is no longer with us, his legacy as "Mr. Television" endures.
Around 1920 at age 12, Berle made his stage debut in a revival of the musical comedy Florodora in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which later moved to Broadway. By the time he was 16, he was working as a master of ceremonies in vaudeville.
He is also known to have played small bit parts in several silent films in the 1910s and 1920s, although his presence in some is disputed (see Filmography, below). In 1932, he starred in Earl Carrol's Vanities, a Broadway musical.
By the early 1930s, he was a successful stand-up comedian, patterning himself after one of vaudeville's top comics, Ted Healy.
