Jimmy Durante (1893-1980) was a singer, pianist and comedian from Brooklyn, New York whose characteristic speech and facial features helped to make him one of America's most popular personalities from the 1920s through the 1970s. Often referring to his distinctively large nose as "Schnozzola," Durante's unique brand of self-deprecating comedy helped to elevate the multi-talented artist to the height of vaudeville and radio fame throughout the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Following the advent of television in the 1950s, Durante went on to host his own wildly successful variety show as well as to star in several comedy films throughout the 1960s. Although Jimmy Durante as an individual is largely forgotten by the American youth of today, they would still be hard pressed not to recognize his signature voice when they hear it.
