JIMMY "SCHNOZZOLA" DURANTE - CONTRACT SIGNED 11/16/1951 - HFSID 258059

JIMMY DURANTE
Jimmy Durante signs a document agreeing for the William Morris Agency to represent him for three years.
Partly Printed Document Signed: "Jimmy Durante" as Actor, 1p, 8½x13. Beverly Hills, California, 1951 November 16. The actor/comedian enters into a three-year contract with the William Morris Agency for a period of three years, beginning November 16, 1951. Durante agrees to pay the standard ten percent commission. Also signed by an Agent of the William Morris Agency, Inc. Jimmy Durante (1893-1980), known to family, friends and fans as "The Schnozzola" 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." Durante was an active life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He often performed pro bono (the proceeds that would have been his pay went to the Children's Fund). All he asked in the way of pay was that people, "Help Da Kids". Lightly creased. Staple holes and 2 file holes at upper blank margins. Ink marks (unknown hand) crossing out first paragraph. Fine condition.