Groucho Marx Biography: Age, Net Worth, Height, Marx Brothers, Wife, Kids, Legacy, Books, Songs, Movies

Julius Henry Marx also known as Groucho Marx is a legendary American comedian, actor, writer, and game show host known for his quick wit, distinctive greasepaint mustache, eyebrows, glasses, and cigar.

Through his work with the Marx Brothers in vaudeville, Broadway, and classic films, as well as his solo career hosting You Bet Your Life, he delivered sharp, surreal humor and became one of the most influential comic voices of the 20th century.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Julius Henry Marx
• Stage Name: Groucho Marx
• Born: October 2, 1890
• Age: 86 years old
• Died: August 19, 1977
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
• Occupation: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Game Show Host
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches
• Religion: Judaism
• Parents: Sam Marx and Minnie Marx
• Siblings: Chico Marx, Harpo Marx, Gummo Marx, Zeppo Marx
• Spouse: Eden Hartford
• Children: Arthur Marx, Miriam Marx, Melinda Marx
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2.8 million USD

Early Life and Education

Groucho Marx was born on October 2, 1890, in New York City, New York, United States. He was brought up by his parents, Sam Marx and Minnie Marx, in a working-class Jewish immigrant family facing financial struggles.

He grew up with four brothers, Chico Marx, Harpo Marx, Gummo Marx, and Zeppo Marx. His mother, a stage-struck ambitious woman and sister of vaudeville performer Al Shean, pushed the boys into show business.

He left school at age twelve after sixth grade to help support the family and never completed formal education. He became a voracious reader to compensate. His ethnicity is Ashkenazi Jewish, and his religion is Judaism.

Career

Groucho Marx began his professional path as a singer in vaudeville at a young age, influenced by his uncle Al Shean. He joined his brothers to form the Marx Brothers act, which started in vaudeville and moved to Broadway with shows like The Cocoanuts and Animal Crackers.

The team transitioned to Hollywood films in the late 1920s, producing classics such as Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, Duck Soup, A Night at the Opera, and A Day at the Races. Known for his rapid-fire wordplay, puns, and anarchic humor, Groucho often played the fast-talking con man or authority figure.

After the brothers’ film career slowed, he enjoyed a successful solo run hosting the radio and television quiz show You Bet Your Life from 1947 to 1961 where his ad-libbed wit shone.

He wrote several books including Groucho and Me and Memoirs of a Mangy Lover. His distinctive persona with greasepaint mustache influenced generations of comedians. Groucho appeared in later films and television and received honors including a special Academy Award. His career spanned over six decades marked by innovation in comedy across stage, screen, radio, and TV.

Social Media

• Groucho Marx does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Groucho Marx was 86 years old at the time of his death and his height was 5 feet 7 inches. He was previously married to Ruth Johnson from 1920 to 1942 and to Kay Marvis Gorcey from 1945 to 1951. He was married to Eden Hartford from 1954 to 1969. No other past relationships are publicly known beyond these.

He had three children: Arthur Marx and Miriam Marx from his first marriage, and Melinda Marx from his second marriage.

Net Worth

Groucho Marx‘s net worth is estimated at $2.8 million USD. His income primarily came from vaudeville and Broadway performances, Marx Brothers films, solo acting roles, hosting You Bet Your Life on radio and television, book sales, and personal appearances across his long entertainment career.

Filmography

• The Cocoanuts
• Animal Crackers
• Monkey Business
• Horse Feathers
• Duck Soup
• A Night at the Opera
• A Day at the Races
• At the Circus
• Go West
• The Big Store
• A Night in Casablanca
• You Bet Your Life
• Groucho and Me
• Memoirs of a Mangy Lover