Jerry Colonna

Jerry Colonna (born Jerome Colonna on December 2, 1904 in Boston, Massachusetts) was an American comedian, actor, singer, and trombonist who became one of the most recognizable sidekicks of the golden‑age of radio and film. He first gained national attention as a member of the Bob Hope radio program in the early 1940s, where his flamboyant mustache, booming voice, and manic energy made him an instant audience favorite. Colonna’s career spanned more than four decades, encompassing radio, stage, motion pictures, and television, and his performances were marked by a willingness to blend slapstick physicality with clever wordplay. In addition to his comedic work, he was an accomplished musician, often playing trombone in big‑band arrangements and singing novelty songs that highlighted his absurdist humor. During World II he toured with the USO, entertaining troops overseas and solidifying his reputation as a patriotic performer who could lift spirits in the toughest conditions. After the war he continued to appear on television variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and he also contributed as a writer for several scripted comedy programs. Despite his larger‑than‑life persona, colleagues described him as a diligent professional with a deep respect for the craft of timing and rehearsal. In the 1960s he made occasional guest appearances on sitcoms, demonstrating that his comedic style could adapt to the evolving tastes of a new television audience. Colonna retired from regular performance in the late 1970s but remained a beloved figure in American comedy until his death on June 21, 1986, leaving behind a legacy of exuberant humor and a distinctive visual brand that still influences performers today.