JIMMY "SCHNOZZOLA" DURANTE - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 50759

JIMMY DURANTE
Black and white publicity photograph of Jimmy Durante in profile smoking a cigar wearing a hat.
Photograph inscribed and signed: "To the/Villanova/Rest -/When you/want Italian/food - Boy/go to the/Villanova/Jimmy Durante". B/w, 8x10. Photograph by Maurice Seymour/Chicago (imprint at lower right). Jimmy Durante (1893-1980), known to family, friends and fans as "The Schnozzola", "Schnozzle" or simply "the Schnoz" because of his Cyrano-sized nose, began his career as a piano player on the Lower East Side of New York City. He and his partners, dancers Eddie Jackson and Lou Clayton, had become overnight sensations on vaudeville, and Durante later lent his talents to films, radio and television as well as being a popular performer in nightclubs and on stage. His act included telling jokes, playing the piano and singing in his raspy voice. Two of his most popular songs were "Inka Dinka Doo" and "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey?", and Durante was also well known for his trademark sign off line, "Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are." An active life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, he often performed pro bono with the proceeds that would have been his pay, going to the Children's Fund. All he asked in the way of pay was that people, "Help Da Kids". Lightly creased at upper right corner, worn at lower corners. Minor surface creases (not evident head on). Tape stain on verso, which is lightly soiled (no show through). Overall, fine condition.