Imogene Coca Biography: Cause of Death, Age, Net Worth, Movies, TV Shows, Parents, Husband, Children

Imogene Coca was an American actress and comedienne, best known for her brilliant performances in early television comedy.

She rose to fame starring alongside Sid Caesar on the classic show Your Show of Shows. Known for her expressive face and impeccable timing, Coca became one of the most beloved comic talents of her era.

Profile

• Full Name: Imogene Fernandez de Coca
• Stage Name: Imogene Coca
• Born: November 18, 1908
• Age: 92 (Died on June 2, 2001)
• Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Comedienne
• Height: 5’1″ (155 cm)
• Parent: José Fernandez de Coca, Sadie Brady
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: King Donovan
• Children: Mark Donovan, Josh Donovan, Deborah Donovan
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

Imogene Coca was born on November 18, 1908, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She was 92 years old at the time of her passing on June 2, 2001. She was the daughter of José Fernandez de Coca, a violinist and conductor, and Sadie Brady, who worked as a magician’s assistant.

Coca grew up in a creative and artistic environment, which helped nurture her early interest in performing. She had no widely recorded siblings.

Coca was of mixed ethnic heritage, with Spanish and Irish roots. She practiced Christianity throughout her life. From a young age, she pursued the arts, studying piano, dance, and voice.

She later moved to New York City to focus on her education in music and performance, attending the School of American Ballet and taking music lessons to prepare for a career on the stage. Her strong foundation in music and comedy eventually led her into vaudeville, Broadway, and later, television.

Career

Imogene Coca began her career as a singer and dancer in New York City nightclubs during the 1920s. Her early performances in vaudeville and cabaret showcased her comedic talents, quickly setting her apart in the entertainment scene. She made her Broadway debut in the late 1920s and continued to build her reputation through the 1930s, appearing in musical revues and comedies.

Her big break came in 1950 when she starred alongside Sid Caesar on the groundbreaking television program Your Show of Shows. The live, 90-minute sketch comedy series was a massive success, and Coca‘s sharp comedic timing, expressive face, and ability to bring characters to life made her one of the show’s biggest stars. Her work on the series earned her widespread acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Following her success with Your Show of Shows, Coca headlined her own program, The Imogene Coca Show (1954–1955), and continued to act in television, theater, and film. She appeared in shows like Grindl and made guest appearances on popular series such as The Brady Bunch, Bewitched, and The Love Boat. In films, she often played comic supporting roles, including memorable appearances in movies like National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983).

Throughout her long career, Imogene Coca was celebrated as a pioneer of early television comedy and remained active in the entertainment industry well into her later years.

Awards and Nominations

• Primetime Emmy Award (1952) – Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance on Your Show of Shows
• Tony Award Nomination (1951) – Best Featured Actress in a Musical for On the Town

Personal Life

Imogene Coca was married twice in her lifetime. Her first marriage was to Bob Burton, a fellow performer and producer, in 1935. They remained together until his death in 1955. Later, in 1960, she married actor King Donovan, and they stayed married until Donovan‘s death in 1987.

Coca was the mother of three children: Mark Donovan, Josh Donovan, and Deborah Donovan. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall, Imogene Coca was known not just for her comedic talent but also for her warm, down-to-earth personality.

Filmography

• Your Show of Shows (1950–1954)
• On the Town (1949) – Broadway musical
• The Imogene Coca Show (1954–1955)
• My Little Chickadee (1940) – film
• A Night in Casablanca (1946) – film
• The Love Boat (1977) – TV appearance

Net Worth

At the time of her passing, Imogene Coca‘s estimated net worth was around $2 million. Her primary source of income came from her extensive career in television, film, and theater.

Coca‘s breakthrough came in the 1950s with Your Show of Shows, where she earned critical acclaim and became a household name. She continued to earn through her roles in various television shows, films, and Broadway productions throughout the years.

In addition to her work in television and film, Coca also made appearances on talk shows and variety programs, which further contributed to her wealth. While not among the wealthiest stars of her time, Coca‘s legacy as a pioneering comedian and actress in early television comedy has left an enduring impact on the entertainment industry.