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The Final Resting Place of Gummo Marx.


Gummo Marx
23rd.October 1893 - 21st.April 1977.
Located in the Freedom Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Brotherhood.
Milton Marx known as Gummo, was one of the Marx Brothers. Born in New York City, he worked with his brothers on Vaudeville, but left the act when he was drafted into the army during World War One. (He was the only Marx Brother to have served in the military). By many accounts, however, Gummo had grown tired of performing anyway.
His military service began shortly before the Armistice and he was therefore never sent overseas.
After leaving the army, Gummo went into the dressmaking business. Later he joined with his brother Zeppo Marx and operated a theatrical agency. After that collaboration ended, Gummo represented his brother Groucho Marx and worked on the television show The Life of Riley, which he helped develop. He also represented other onscreen talent and a number of writers.
Gummo was well respected as a businessman. He rarely had contracts with those he represented, his philosophy being that, if they liked his work, they would continue to use him, and if not, they would seek representation elsewhere. Unlike his brothers, his social life involved primarily business people.
Gummo was given his nickname because he had a tendency to be sneaky backstage, and creep up on others without them knowing (like a gumshoe). Another explanation cited by biographers and family members is that Milton, being the sickliest of the brothers, often wore rubber overshoes, also called "gumshoes," to protect himself from taking sick in inclement weather. The four brothers (Groucho, Chico, and Harpo) were given their
nicknames during a card game at the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, Illinois, and the names stuck for their entire lives.
Gummo died on April 21, 1977, in Palm Springs, California. His death was not reported to Groucho, who by that time had become so ill and weak that it was thought the news would be of further detriment to his health.
He is entombed in a crypt in the Freedom Mausoleum in Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Cemetery, in Glendale, California. Gummo's older brother, Chico, is in a crypt
across the hall from him.