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Al Jolson
Al Jolson TV Listings
Al Jolson is not on TV in the next 2 weeks
Al Jolson Biography
Birth Name:
Asa Yoelson
Birth Place:
Serednik, Lithuania
Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign:
May 26, Gemini
Date of Death:
10/23/1950
Profession:
Actor; comedian; singer
Al Jolson Fast Facts:
Is widely considered the first openly Jewish man to become an entertainment star.
At 14, ran away from home to live in New York, and eventually became a circus performer.
Partnered with his brother Harry to form a vaudeville act in 1904.
In an attempt to feel more comfortable performing a comedy skit, began appearing in blackface, which quickly became his trademark.
Made his Broadway debut in 1911 in
La Belle Paree
, and went on to become the highest paid stage performer at the time.
In 1921, at the age of 32, became the youngest person to have a theater named after him when Jolson's Fifty-ninth Street Theater opened. On opening night, he got a case of stage fright and almost couldn't go on. His brother eventually had to push him on stage, where he would go on to receive 37 curtain calls.
In 1927, starred in
The Jazz Singer
, which mirrored his own life. It was the first commercially successful "talkie."
Is often credited with introducing ragtime, jazz, and blues to white audiences through his movies and songs.
During a Korean War USO tour, he put on 42 performances in 16 days for the troops.
His performance of George Gershwin's "Swanee" helped to establish Gershwin's reputation as a major composer.
Al Jolson Relationships:
Al Jolson Jr. - Son
Alicia Jolson - Daughter
Alma Osbourne - Ex-wife
Asa Jolson Jr. - Son
Erle Galbraith - Wife
Etta - Sister
Henrietta Keller - Ex-wife
Hirsch Yoelson - Brother
Moses Reuben Yoelson - Father
Naomi Yoelson - Mother
Rose - Sister
Ruby Keeler - Ex-wife
Al Jolson Biography, TV Listings and More from TVGuide.com
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