20 Facts About Chico Marx

Leonard Joseph "Chico" Marx was an American comedian, actor and pianist.

Chico Marx was the oldest brother in the Marx Brothers comedy troupe, alongside his brothers Adolph, Julius, Milton and Herbert.

On screen, Chico is often in alliance with Harpo, usually as partners in crime, and is frequently seen trying to con or outfox Groucho.

Leonard was the oldest of the Chico Marx Brothers to live past early childhood, the first-born being Manfred Chico Marx who had died in infancy.

Chico Marx was born in Manhattan, New York City, on March 22,1887.

Chico Marx's parents were Sam Marx, and his wife, Minnie Schoenberg Marx.

Chico Marx's father was a native of Alsace who worked as a tailor and his mother was from East Frisia in Germany.

Chico Marx originally started playing with only his right hand and fake playing with his left, as his teacher did so herself.

Sometimes Chico Marx even worked playing in two places at the same time.

Chico Marx would acquire the first job with his piano-playing skills, work for a few nights, and then substitute Harpo on one of the jobs.

Groucho Marx once said that Chico never practiced the pieces he played.

Chico Marx was known for 'shooting' the keys of the piano.

Chico Marx played passages with his thumb up and index finger straight, like a gun, as part of the act.

Chico Marx's nickname was originally spelled Chicko.

Chico Marx had a reputation as a world-class pinochle player, a game he and Harpo learned from their father.

Groucho said Chico Marx would throw away good cards to make the play "more interesting".

Chico Marx died of arteriosclerosis at the age of 74 on October 11,1961, at his Hollywood home.

Chico Marx was the eldest brother and the first to die.

Chico Marx was survived by his second wife Mary and daughter Maxine.

Chico Marx is entombed in the mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.