Bert Gordon

This article is about the comedian. For the film director, see Bert I. Gordon.
Bert Gordon

Gordon in 1945.

(1945)
Born Barney Gorodetsky
(1895-04-08)April 8, 1895
Died November 30, 1974(1974-11-30) (aged 79)
Other names "the Mad Russian"
Occupation comedian
voice actor

Bert Gordon (April 8, 1895 November 30, 1974) was an American comedian and voice actor who appeared in vaudeville, radio, and occasionally films.

Gordon was born Barney Gorodetsky. He appeared in many roles over his lengthy career and was known by the moniker "the Mad Russian". He was a regular on The Eddie Cantor Program, and also appeared on The Jack Benny Program, and The Abbott and Costello Program. In 1945 he starred in his own film vehicle, How Do You Doooo!!!, directed by Ralph Murphy.

Gordon played himself in an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show in 1964 along with several other radio-era performers.[1]

In popular culture

After 1942, Bert Gordon was no longer referred to on the Eddie Cantor Show as The Mad Russian, but as "Our Russian Friend," this presumably so as not to give offense to Stalin, the Russians having recently switched alliance so as to be on the side of the Allies. Following the defeat of Germany in the spring of 1945, and Russia then being at odds with the United States, Bert Gordon was dropped from the show entirely.

References

  1. The Return of Edwin Carp - Season 3  : Ep. 27 of the Dick Van Dyke Showe
  2. Beck, Jerry and Friedwald, Will. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Guide to the Warner Bros. Cartoon. New York, Henry Holt, 1989. p.147
  3. 1 2 3 "A Tale of Two Gordons" on the WFMU website
  4. Beck, Jerry and Friedwald, Will. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Guide to the Warner Bros. Cartoon. New York, Henry Holt, 1989. p.151

External links

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