Milton Berle

Introduction

Milton Berle was an American actor and comedian who was one of the first major stars of television.

Early Life

Berle was born as Mendel Berlinger in New York City on July 12, 1908, to a Jewish family.

Family Background

He was the son of Moses Berlinger, a paint and varnish salesman, and Sarah (Sadie) Glantz Berlinger.

Name Change

Interestingly, at the age of 16, Berlinger changed his name to Milton Berle, and even his mother followed suit. Berle also grew up with his three older brothers.

Early Career

Berle started his career as a child actor in silent films and on stage, appearing in The Perils of Pauline, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, The Mark of Zorro, and Tillie’s Punctured Romance.

Radio and Film Career

Berle became a popular radio personality in the 1930s and 1940s, hosting several shows and performing in movies such as It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and The Loved One. He was known for his quick wit, improvisational skills, and penchant for cross-dressing.

Television Career

However, Berle’s greatest fame came from his television career, which began in 1948 when he hosted the Texaco Star Theater on NBC. He was nicknamed “Mr. Television,” “Uncle Miltie,” and “Mr. Tuesday Night” for his popularity and influence on the new medium. He attracted millions of viewers with his variety show, which featured comedy sketches, musical numbers, guest stars, and audience participation.

Marriages

Berle was once married to Joyce Mattews two times. The first was in 1941, and they divorced in 1947, and the second time was in 1949, and they divorced in 1950.

Relationship with Mother

Although, he blamed the failure of the marriage to Mattews on his mother. In 1953, Berle married publicist Ruth Cosgrove, but she died in 1989. For the fourth time, he married Lorna Adams, a fashion designer, in 1992. He had three children in total.

Death

Berle died of colon cancer on March 27, 2002, at the age of 93.