Jerry Bergen: Movies & Filmography

Jerry Bergen was a comedic actor and performer who made significant contributions to American entertainment throughout the mid-20th century. Born on January 4, 1899, he was recognized by the Chicago Sunday Tribune as 'one of the funniest men in the world,' a testament to his exceptional talent in the world of comedy. Standing at a diminutive height of just 4 feet 6 inches tall, Bergen used his small stature to his advantage, becoming a beloved figure on the vaudeville circuit and beyond. Bergen's career began in 1930 when he made his first vaudeville performance in the afterpiece Amateur Night at the prestigious Palace Theatre in New York. Before pursuing comedy, he had been a drummer with the Meyer Davis Orchestra, and he also mastered the fiddle, which became an integral part of his act. His comedic talents on the violin were highly praised; a 1952 review of his performance at Ciro's London stated that 'Way above the rest is diminutive Jerry Bergen, whose comedics on the violin rouses the customers and brings new life to a limping show.' The review further noted that he was 'a natural comic and his entire act bears the stamp of impeccable timing and immaculate showmanship.' Throughout his career, Bergen appeared in numerous films, including 20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang (1933), Tomalio (1933), With Love and Kisses (1936), The Little Maestro (1937), Flying with Music (1942), Let's Get Tough! (1942), and The Pirate (1948). He also starred in his own short-lived 15-minute variety show titled Buzzy Wuzzy in 1948 alongside Imogene Coca. Bergen frequently appeared on television comedy variety shows, including The Jackie Gleason Show and The Lambs Gambol. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette referred to him as a 'top pantomime comedian,' highlighting his versatility as a performer who excelled in pantomimes and musical comedy alike. His legacy includes a wide range of performances across film, television, and stage, leaving an indelible mark on American comedy during the golden age of variety entertainment.