Comedian/dialectician best known to old time radio buffs for his characterization of Parkyakarkus, a (stereotypically) Greek luncheonette owner whose primary talent seemed to be comically mangling the English language.
Died at the dais only moments after he had sat down from his comedic presentation at a Lucille Ball/Desi Arnaz Friar's Roast. When Milton Berle, seated next to him, shouted, "Is there a doctor in the house?" the audience laughed, not yet realizing that Berle was serious.
Entombed at Home of Peace Memorial Park, Los Angeles, CA - Chapel Mausoleum, Corridor of Eternal Life, C-248.
Father of Bob Einstein.
Father of Albert Brooks.
Father of Charles Einstein.
From December, 1936, to March, 1939, covering 39 episodes, he was a featured regular on Al Jolson's CBS radio show, "The Lifebuoy Program." In keeping with his mangling of language, he called Jolson both "Joslyn" and "Jostin".
Parkyakarkys was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio at 1708 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
When Harry slumped down onto Milton Berle's lap on the day of Harry's death, Berle directed crooner Tony Martin to sing, attempting to divert the crowd. Martin's unfortunate song choice was "There's No Tomorrow".