The Early Years of Ken Murray
Kenneth Murray, popularly known as Ken Murray, was born on July 14, 1903, in New York City. He was the youngest of three children born to his parents. His father was a vaudeville performer, and his mother was a dancer. Ken Murray grew up in a show business family and started performing at the age of five.
As a child, Ken Murray performed in vaudeville shows with his family. He later worked as a dancer and comedian in various nightclubs and theaters. In the 1930s, he appeared in several Hollywood films, including “College Rhythm” and “Sing, Baby, Sing.” However, his true passion was for live performance, and he continued to tour the country as a comedian and emcee.
Ken Murray’s Personal Life
Ken Murray was married twice in his life. His first marriage was to a dancer named Pam, with whom he had two children, a son named Kenneth, and a daughter named Jane. After his divorce from Pam, Ken Murray married a woman named Betty, with whom he had no children.
Ken Murray was known for his love of animals and was a devoted pet owner. He had a menagerie of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and even a monkey. He was also an avid collector of art and antiques and had an extensive collection of both.
Ken Murray and Blackouts
One of Ken Murray’s most significant contributions to the entertainment industry was his creation of the “Blackouts” comedy sketches. These sketches were a series of short, humorous scenes that were performed without any set changes or props. They were designed to be performed quickly and efficiently, making them perfect for variety shows and other live events.
Ken Murray’s “Blackouts” became so popular that they were eventually adapted for television. The sketches were featured on various TV shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s and helped to launch the careers of many comedians and actors.
Ken Murray’s Reality-Based Training
Ken Murray was a strong believer in reality-based training for performers. He believed that performers needed to be able to think on their feet and react quickly to unexpected situations. To this end, he created a training program for actors and comedians that focused on improvisation and audience interaction.
Ken Murray’s training program was highly respected in the entertainment industry and was used by many performers to hone their skills. He also wrote several books on the subject, including “How to Make a Good Act Better” and “The Ken Murray Show: Blackouts and Bandwagons.”
Ken Murray’s Hollywood Home Movies
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Ken Murray was also an avid filmmaker. He spent much of his free time filming his friends and colleagues in Hollywood, creating a unique record of life in the entertainment industry during the 1940s and 1950s.
Ken Murray’s home movies were eventually compiled into a documentary called “Hollywood Without Make-Up,” which was released in 1963. The film featured rare footage of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, and Cary Grant. It remains a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Hollywood’s elite during the golden age of cinema.
FAQ
Who is Ken Murray?
Ken Murray was an American entertainer, comedian, and actor who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s.
What are Blackouts?
Blackouts were popular comedy sketches that were performed during World War II. They usually involved short, humorous scenes that poked fun at the war effort.
What were Hollywood Home Movies?
Hollywood Home Movies were a series of short films that Ken Murray produced and directed in the 1940s and 1950s. They were unique in that they featured behind-the-scenes footage of Hollywood stars and celebrities.
What can we learn from Ken Murray’s life?
Ken Murray’s life is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and creativity. He was able to carve out a successful career in the entertainment industry by constantly reinventing himself and adapting to changing times. Additionally, his Hollywood Home Movies offer a unique glimpse into the lives of some of the most famous stars of the 20th century.
