Ed Wynn

Isaiah Edwin Leopold, better known as Ed Wynn, was a comedic and dramatic icon of the American entertainment industry spanning both the early and mid-20th century. Born in Philadelphia to a Jewish family with multicultural roots tracing back to Bohemia, Romania, and Turkey, Wynn set foot on his career path as a comedian in vaudeville in 1903. Wynn's signature 'Perfect Fool' comedy character, as well as his renowned radio show of the 1930s, and remarkable knack for dramatic acting spanning into the 1960s, helped secure his legacy. His variety show, 'The Ed Wynn Show' that aired from 1949–1950, received a Peabody Award and an Emmy Award. Wynn was not just limited to stage and radio, he marked his presence in the television industry as well. From being one of the first hosts of a network comedy-variety television show, having a brief acting career stint on CBS, to hosting NBC's Four Star Revue, Wynn's versatility was undeniable. The actor, in his later years, shifted to dramatic acting in television and films at the suggestion of his son following the end of his third TV series.