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Harpo was born in 1888, though in his autobiography, "Harpo Speaks," he
says it was 1893. He was born in NY city, and had 4 brothers. They started in Vaudeville, and traveled for many
years before becoming famous. By the time they did achieve fame, they were around 40 years old. The studio
wanted to make them seem younger, I read somewhere, so the brothers became 5 years younger than they really were, except for
Zeppo, who was much younger than the others. Despite the age fixing, it still seems strange to me that Harpo would
put 1893 as his birthyear. Maybe he was under pressure from his agent or someone at the studio- who knows? Harpo grew up very poor, but was surrounded by a loving family. Although he was often
very hungry, he made the best of it, never dreaming he'd become one of the best loved comics, and self taught harpists
in the world, who took a vow of professional silence during his early performing years, long before they became well known.
Harpo loved music, people, and life. He had no high ambitions, and when he found himself dragged into
showbusiness by his mother, Minnie, he didn't like it, and didn't plan it as a career. Originally, they were
a musical act. When he did his pantomimes, he also spoke, which led to the remarks and review that brought about his
vow of professional silence. The comments broke young Harpo's heart, but he knew they were right- the speaking parts
ruined the beautiful pantomimes. He didn't want to do pantomime exclusively, but soon became one of the best at
it, having been influenced by others, including Charlie Chaplin, who was one of his favorites. The Vaudeville director
where i play Harpo at, told me there was a guy known as "Banana Man," who did something like pulling things out
of his coat, huge things, on stage, large items, like furniture. How he did this live, I'd love to know. I
guess Harpo saw him, too.
When Harpo went silent, many believed he couldn't talk, and some even thought
he was deaf, they didn't remember he played music, perhaps. When Harpo played his harp, it was no act- music was
his first love, he was extremely passionate about it, and took it very seriously. Watch his face as he plays, he seems
to be someplace else, while he's concentrating, yet seems transported to somewhere very peaceful. He brings that
peace into his music, which has brought tears to many, and still does. I love watching his face when he plays.
Although they were a musical act, he and his brothers wanted to do comedy, too, and one day they got the chance,
when their mom wasn't around. She saw a review of that show, and they confessed, then worked out a compromise with
her so they could do both. Music was still Harpo's first love, and greatest passion. He taught himself, having
no one to teach him; at that time he couldn't afford it.
The family wa very poor, but they were
very close There was always music and laughter, in a house filled with love.
Harpo's preferred title for his book was, "What's the Use Talking?" His book can be bought online,
and probably at a bookstore. Look in your local library for it, too. You might also be interested to know that
Harpo recorded some of his music, 2 of his albums have been compiled onto a CD, which was also available online. There's
another album by him, I think it's called "Harp by Harpo," released in 1952. It may take some searching
to find these items.
After you read Harpo's book, you might wanna read a book by Harpo's son, Bill,
called, "Son of Harpo Speaks," that came out around March of 2007. It's a wonderful book, filled with
heartwarming stories, and lots of photos.
To me, Harpo was a true original, though he was influenced by
other people. The character he created took many years to develop. Often, he was as goofy off stage as he was
on, it seems many performers blend their personal lives with their characters, and Harpo was quite a character himself! The Marx Brothers got their "o" names in a poker game, many years before they used
them professionally. The stories of their struggles and rise to fame are amazing.
If you are able to watch the Turner Classic Movie channel, you will see the Marx Brothers' movies there occasionally,
and you can also buy them online. It's also possible you might find them in a library, and prob'ly in a video
store. Find TCM's website and search for the Marx Brothers. Many online TV sections can be searched for them,
too. Harpo made several radio and TV appearances, including an episode of "I Love Lucy." It was hilarious!
Harpo says more in his silence than most people who talk.
He lived in a time that will never be again. Reading his book, and his son's, is like stepping back in time. There are many recordings of Harpo that are very rare, and some have disappeared. I'm
glad the ones that still exist were preserved. As long as we remember him, he lives on, as he does in my heart, and
always will. As my way of paying tribute to him, I do my best
to play him well. I'm introducing him to a new generation. Whenever I can, I show a movie, or at least a clip
or two, to someone who's never heard of him. I love showing pictures of him to people, including ones without his
wig. It's amazing how different he looks! I can't
say enough about how wonderful he was, and only wish he'd recorded more music.
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