(The origin of "Zeppo" for Herbert is unclear.) Julius became "Groucho" for his cynical nature and the "grouch bag" he wore to store valuables, Leonard became "Chicko" (later altered to "Chico") for his relentless pursuit of female companionship, Arthur became "Harpo" for his love of the instrument and Milton was saddled with "Gummo" because of his preference for gumshoes.
Anchored on Julius' verbal dexterity, the show also found a sweet spot with the pantomiming abilities of Adolph, now known as Arthur, and featured an early stage appearance from baby brother Herbert.Ĭomedian Art Fisher gave them their famous nicknamesĭuring a stop in Illinois, the Marx brothers were playing cards with comedian Art Fisher, who decided the boys needed nicknames. Home Again, which underwent continual rewrites after debuting in 1914, eventually brought the group from the classroom to a dock, with Julius and Minnie portraying a mismatched couple and Milton their son, alongside the other two boys as ship hands. Fortunately, the boys were again able to rely on the experience and wisdom of Uncle Al Shean, who took note of their individual strengths and sussed out material for a new show. Green's Reception, but their obvious comedic talents weren't enough to save the stale schoolboy jokes. Leonard helped develop the follow-up production, a 10-years-down-the-road reprisal of the characters in Mr. Along with providing a means for them to hone their timing and improvisational skills, the show's success pulled in the missing Marx brother, Leonard, who allegedly joined the act by way of a surprise performance with the orchestra one night.
The next production, Fun in Hi Skool, marked the brothers' first full-blown foray into comedy, with Julius portraying an overwrought teacher and the others his troublemaking students. Seething at the interruption, Julius began excoriating the audience, only to find them laughing at his insults. No one seemed to notice that he was terrified of singing in front of an audience, and the Four Nightingales enjoyed a solid showing on the road.Īccording to legend, the brothers' singing act began its transformation into a comedy act during a performance in Nacogdoches, Texas, when a local burst in to announce that a mule had gotten loose.
The trio became a quartet when Minnie abruptly pulled Adolph from his job as a silent movie theater pianist and plopped him on stage with the rest. Working with Edwards' co-producer Ned Wayburn, who went on to fame as choreographer of The Ziegfield Follies, she paired Julius with Milton and 16-year-old soprano Mabel O'Donnell to form the Three Nightingales. With Julius enjoying additional success as a member of Gus Edwards' Postal Telegraph Boys, Minnie took the opportunity to rope more of her boys into the business. Herbert: As in the case of Groucho, there are three explanations as to why Herbert was called Zeppo.The brothers sang together as the Four Nightingales But he was the only Marx brother who defended this theory.
Julius: the reason why Julius was called Groucho is usually the most discussed. Milton: In his autobiography, Harpo Speaks! (1985), Harpo explained that Milton was called Gummo in allusion to rubber since he had played several detectives in the theater with his typical rubber shoes.