About Joe E. Brown
Joseph Evans Brown (July 28, 1891 - July 6, 1973) was an American actor and comedian, remembered for his friendly screen persona, comic timing and enormous, elastic-mouth smile. He was one of the most popular American comedians of the 1930s and 1940s and enjoyed lengthy careers in motion pictures and radio. Born in Holgate, Ohio, he joined a troupe of circus tumblers at age ten and later worked as a professional baseball player before going into vaudeville and Broadway and transforming himself into a comedian. He scored his biggest film successes with Warner Bros., starring in Technicolor musical comedies such as Sally and Going Wild, and was praised for playing Francis Flute in the 1935 film of A Midsummer Night's Dream. During World War II he traveled extensively to entertain troops and became one of only two civilians awarded the Bronze Star. He is also remembered for delivering the closing punchline 'Well, nobody's perfect' as Osgood Fielding III in Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot (1959).
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Frequently asked questions
What was Joe E. Brown known for?
Joe E. Brown was known for his friendly screen persona, comic timing and huge, elastic-mouth smile, and he was one of the most popular American comedians of the 1930s and 1940s.
Who did Joe E. Brown play in Some Like It Hot?
In Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot (1959) he played Osgood Fielding III and delivered the closing punchline 'Well, nobody's perfect'.
What did Joe E. Brown do before comedy?
Born in Holgate, Ohio, he joined a troupe of circus tumblers at age ten and later played professional baseball before moving into vaudeville and Broadway.
What were Joe E. Brown's biggest films?
His biggest hits came with Warner Bros. in Technicolor musical comedies such as Sally and Going Wild, and he was praised as Francis Flute in the 1935 film of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Did Joe E. Brown receive the Bronze Star?
Yes. He travelled widely to entertain troops during World War II and became one of only two civilians awarded the Bronze Star.
When did Joe E. Brown live?
Joseph Evans Brown was born on July 28, 1891 and died on July 6, 1973.
