You Gotta Have a Gimmick II Trivia Quiz

Answer: W.C. Fields

W.C. Fields was a famous American comedian and actor known for his sarcastic wit and heavy drinking persona. He often portrayed characters with a red, bulbous nose, which became his trademark. Fields' career spanned over three decades, and he appeared in numerous films, including "The Bank Dick" and "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break." Despite his on-screen persona, Fields was actually a teetotaler in real life and was known for his love of gardening.

Answer: Lou Costello

Lou Costello was one half of the famous comedy duo Abbott and Costello. Their signature routine involved Costello playing the bumbling, confused character who often frustrated Abbott with his misunderstandings. The catchphrase "Heeeeeeey Abbott!" became synonymous with their act and is still recognized today.

The duo had a successful career in both radio and film, with their most famous movie being "Who's on First?" which features their iconic wordplay routine.

Answer: Soupy Sales

Soupy Sales was a comedian and actor known for his slapstick humor and signature gag of getting a pie in the face. He began his career in radio before transitioning to television, where he hosted his own show, "The Soupy Sales Show," which featured his comedic skits and interactions with puppets. Sales' pie-in-the-face gag became so popular that it was eventually adopted by other comedians and even made its way into films and television shows.

Despite his success, Sales was also known for his controversial humor and was temporarily suspended from his show in the 1960s for making a joke about "adult" magazines.

Answer: Jackie Gleason

Jackie Gleason was a legendary comedian and actor known for his role as Ralph Kramden in the TV show "The Honeymooners." He was also famous for his catchphrase "And away we go!" which he used to start his variety show "The Jackie Gleason Show." Gleason's unique gimmick was his ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama, showcasing his range as an actor.

He was a pioneer in the world of television and his influence can still be seen in comedians today.

Answer: Groucho Marx

Groucho Marx was a legendary comedian and actor known for his quick wit and signature painted-on mustache. He was a member of the Marx Brothers comedy team, which produced several classic films in the 1930s. Groucho's humor was often sarcastic and irreverent, and he was known for his one-liners and double entendres.

His influence on comedy can still be seen today, and his legacy as one of the greatest comedians of all time continues to be celebrated.

Answer: Jimmy Durante

Jimmy Durante is the correct answer to this question about comedians with unique gimmicks. Durante was known for his distinctive gravelly voice, large nose, and his catchphrase "Good night, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are," which he would end his shows with.

The origin of the phrase is shrouded in mystery, with Durante claiming it was a tribute to his deceased wife, while others speculate it was a reference to a restaurant or a friend's wife. Regardless of its origins, the catchphrase became synonymous with Durante and is still remembered today.

Answer: Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin is the answer to the question about a comedian with a bowler hat and cane gimmick. Chaplin was a British actor, comedian, and filmmaker who rose to fame in the silent era of Hollywood. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of the film industry. Chaplin's signature character, "The Tramp," was known for his distinctive costume of a bowler hat, mustache, and cane.

The Tramp character appeared in many of Chaplin's films and became an iconic symbol of the silent film era.

Despite the advent of sound in movies, Chaplin continued to make successful films and remained a beloved figure in Hollywood until his death in 1977.

Answer: Bob Hope

Bob Hope and Shirley Ross sang "Thanks for the Memory" in the movie "The Big Broadcast of 1938." The song went on to become Hope's signature tune and was used as the theme song for his radio and television shows. Interestingly, the song was originally written as a farewell to a failed romance, but Hope and Ross's rendition turned it into a nostalgic tribute to past experiences. Hope's comedic style was known for its rapid-fire delivery and self-deprecating humor, making him one of the most beloved comedians of his time.

Answer: Bert Lahr

Bert Lahr was a comedian and actor best known for his role as the Cowardly Lion in the classic film The Wizard of Oz. Lahr's unique gimmick was his distinctive voice and comedic timing, which made him a beloved figure in the world of comedy. He began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to film and television, where he continued to entertain audiences with his wit and humor.

Despite his success, Lahr was known for his humility and kindness, and he remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry until his death in 1967.

Answer: Carol Burnett

During the 11-year run of "The Carol Burnett Show," Carol Burnett would end each episode by tugging on her left earlobe as a message to her grandmother, who raised her and who she considered to be her biggest fan. The gesture was meant to say "I love you" and was a personal touch that became a beloved part of the show's tradition. Burnett has said that the ear tug was also a way to let her grandmother know that she was doing well and that she was happy.