Who Is Morey Amsterdam? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Morey Amsterdam was born on December 14, 1908, and based on his birth date, he would have celebrated his 117th birthday in 2025 if he were still alive. A charismatic and versatile performer, Amsterdam rose to fame as a comedian and actor during the mid-20th century. His sharp wit and comedic timing made him a beloved figure on television, particularly known for his role as Buddy Sorrell on "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 14, 1908 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 28 October, 1996 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Morey Amsterdam's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Morey Amsterdam stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) during his prime. While specific details about his weight fluctuated throughout his life, he maintained a slim physique typical of entertainers of his era. Despite the lack of exact measurements, Amsterdam’s energetic performances displayed a vibrant and dynamic presence on screen.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Morey Amsterdam had a rich personal life, having been married twice. His first marriage was to his college sweetheart, which ended in divorce. He also had a late-life marriage to actress and writer, however, due to the nature of his passing in 1996, no speculation on "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" statuses exists for 2025. Amsterdam left behind a legacy through his work, and while his romantic life is less documented, he was known for his humor and charm, often showcasing his personal life through his performances.
Amsterdam married actress Mabel Todd in 1933; they divorced in 1945 after twelve years of marriage. He married his second wife Kay Patrick in 1949; they remained married until his death in 1996.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 1996, Morey Amsterdam's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. Considering the era he performed in and his contributions to the entertainment industry, his earnings were notable. In 2025, reflecting upon his legacy, it is widely acknowledged that his career helped set the stage for many comedians that followed, ensuring a lasting impact that embodies value beyond monetary figures.
Career, Business, and Investments
Morey Amsterdam’s career spanned several decades beginning in the 1930s. He gained prominence through stand-up comedy, radio shows, and later, popular television series, particularly in the 1960s. His most memorable role as Buddy Sorrell brought him significant fame. In addition to acting, Amsterdam was also an accomplished writer, penning songs and scripts that further showcased his talent. His comedic genius influenced a generation of entertainers, and while he may not have made notable business investments, his contributions to show business remain invaluable.
He began working in vaudeville in 1922 as the straight man for his older brother's jokes. He was a cellist, a skill he used throughout his career. By 1924, he was working in a speakeasy operated by Al Capone.
Social Network
Though he passed away in 1996, Morey Amsterdam's legacy continues via various social media networks dedicated to classic television and comedic history. In 2025, fans and followers can explore tribute pages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where enthusiasts share clips, quotes, and anecdotes about the comedian's life, keeping his memory alive and engaging new generations of fans.
The show's creator, Carl Reiner, based the character on his old friend Mel Brooks, with whom he worked on the writing staff of Your Show of Shows. Like Amsterdam himself, Buddy had a ready quip for any situation, and one of the show's most popular running gags was his insult-laden feud with producer Mel Cooley (Richard Deacon).
One scene had Mel walking into the writers' room asking "Well, what have you got for me?" Buddy immediately answered "Hatred!" Buddy was also one of the rare overtly Jewish characters on TV in that era, with one episode revolving around his belated decision to have a Bar Mitzvah.
Amsterdam also wrote lyrics for the show's theme song, which were never heard on the air, but have been performed by Dick Van Dyke in concert. Van Dyke sang those lyrics on the October 23, 2010, edition of the NPR show Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!.
The composer of the tune, Earl Hagen, was made aware of the lyrics when David Van Deusen arranged it as a gift for Dick Van Dyke on his 70th birthday. Van Deusen, the other DVD, shared the story of the lyrics with Hagen after Amsterdam's death.
Education
Morey Amsterdam attended New York University, where he studied to develop his skills in performance. His education laid the groundwork for his illustrious career in comedy and acting. While there is limited information regarding his specific qualifications, his natural talent coupled with formal training allowed him to shine in an era when television was emerging as a new entertainment medium.
