- Born
- Died
- Birth nameFred John Westcott
- Fred Karno was born on March 26, 1866 in Exeter, England, UK. He was a writer and actor, known for Mother, Don't Rush Me (1936), The Bad Companions (1932) and My Old Duchess (1934). He was married to Marie T. L. Moore and Edith Cuthbert. He died on September 18, 1941 in Dorset, England, UK.
- SpousesMarie T. L. Moore(June 1927 - September 18, 1941) (his death)Edith Cuthbert(1889 - May 24, 1927) (her death, 1 child)
- Children
- Known for pioneering many slapstick comedy gags such as "pieing".
- Karno was the founder and head of The Karno Company, a famous leading British comedy theatrical touring company in the early Twentieth Century. His players included Charles Chaplin, his brother Syd Chaplin, and Stan Laurel.
- Father of Fred Karno Jr..
- Karno worked in a factory at the age of fourteen, then as a plumber and circus acrobat. By the 1890's, he performed silent pantomime in music halls.
- In 1929 briefly worked in Hollywood for Hal Roach before returning to England.
- Originated and polished up many classic gags of silent slapstick, such as the 'custard pie in the face' routine.
- When in doubt, fall on your arse.
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