Eddie Cantor

Eddie Cantor (born Isidore Itzkowitz) was an American comedian, actor, dancer, singer, songwriter, film producer, screenwriter, and author who was one of the prominent entertainers of his era.

Some of Eddie Cantor’s hit songs include ‘Makin’ Whoopee’, ‘Ida (Sweet as Apple Cider)’, ‘If You Knew Susie’, ‘Ma! He’s Making Eyes at Me’, ‘Mandy’, ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’, ‘Margie’, and ‘How Ya Gonna Keep ’em Down on the Farm (After They’ve Seen Paree)?’.

Eddie Cantor’s eye-rolling song-and-dance routines led to his nickname ‘Banjo Eyes’. In 1933, artist Frederick J. Garner caricatured Cantor with large round eyes resembling the drum-like pot of a banjo, and Cantor’s eyes became his trademark, often exaggerated in illustrations.

Eddie Cantor helped to develop the March of Dimes and is credited with coining its name. He was also awarded an honorary Oscar in 1956 for distinguished service to the film industry.

Eddie Cantor was a versatile entertainer who performed as a comedian, actor, dancer, singer, songwriter, film producer, screenwriter, and author.

Yes, Eddie Cantor wrote a few songs, including ‘Merrily We Roll Along’, which became the Merrie Melodies Warner Bros. cartoon theme.

Eddie Cantor’s large, round eyes resembling a banjo’s drum-like pot led to his nickname ‘Banjo Eyes’ and became his trademark, often exaggerated in illustrations, and even led to his appearance on Broadway in the musical ‘Banjo Eyes’ in 1941.