First and foremost a stand-up comedian, this top banana of the "borscht belt" circuit (at age 19) relied on amiable Jewish ethnic humor for longtime career sustenance. He also relied on his multi-talented gifts as an actor, master of ceremonies, game show host and raconteur. Handsome, Bronx-born, gravel-toned Jan Murray was born in 1917 as Murray ...
Howard, Warren, Diane, and Celia; 8 eight grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons
Star Sign
Libra
#
Quote
1
There's no medicine like being on stage hearing people laugh.
2
Comedians see life and people a little differently.
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Fact
1
Was entertaining with the USO in England in 1944 and planning a visit with his brother who was the co-pilot of a B-17 with the 412th Squadron, 95th Bomb Group. Meantime, his brother, David Janofsky, went on a mission and was shot down and lost in the icy sea off Denmark.
2
Wife Toni was a one-time Copacabana girl.
3
Was inspired to become a performer when he memorized vaudeville comedy acts to perform for his ailing, bedridden mother Celia (she died at age 42). He then honed his performing skills at Catskills resorts that catered to Jewish vacationers.
4
Performed in Israel to raise funds for Hebrew University.
5
Was the father of Howard Murray, Warren, Diane, and Celia. Had eight grandchildren and two great-grandsons.
6
The first established comedian to ever host a TV game show.
7
Headlined the Flamingo Hotel the first year it opened in Las Vegas.
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
My Two Dads
1989
TV Series
Uncle Raymond
It's a Living
1987
TV Series
Dickie Doodle
Hunter
1985
TV Series
Bay Fetner
Hardcastle and McCormick
1985
TV Series
Leo Dikeman
Fear City
1984
Goldstein
Legmen
1984
TV Series
Johnny Booth
The Fall Guy
1982
TV Series
Jan Murray
Fantasy Island
1982
TV Series
Ron Ellison
History of the World: Part I
1981
Nothing Vendor - The French Revolution
The Dream Merchants
1980
TV Series
Murray Tucker
The Practice
1977
TV Series
Harry
Banjo Hackett: Roamin' Free
1976
TV Movie
Jethro Swain
Ellery Queen
1976
TV Series
Ralph Caesar
The Cop and the Kid
1976
TV Series
Harry
Roll, Freddy, Roll!
1974
TV Movie
Big Sid
Kolchak: The Night Stalker
1974
TV Series
Ichabod Grace
The Bob Hope Show
1973
TV Series
Igor
Mannix
1971
TV Series
Tony Sargent
The Day of the Wolves
1971
No. 1
Love, American Style
1970
TV Series segment "Love and the Happy Couple"
- Love and the Happy Couple/Love and the Understanding 1970 ... segment "Love and the Happy Couple"