Bert Lahr, a renowned thespian, is affectionately remembered for his iconic portrayal of the Cowardly Lion in the beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz, alongside his role as the endearing farmer, Zeke, in 1939. Prior to his unforgettable appearance in this cinematic masterpiece, Lahr had already made a name for himself in the world of entertainment, having initially dropped out of high school at the tender age of fifteen to pursue a juvenile vaudeville act.
As he continued to hone his craft, Lahr worked his way up the ranks of the prestigious Columbia Burlesque Circuit, eventually earning top billing. His transition to Broadway was marked by his versatility as a comedic actor, with standout performances in plays such as the timeless routine, The Song of the Woodman, which he would later recreate in the 1937 production, Merry-Go-Round.
Despite his memorable turn in The Wizard of Oz, Lahr's film career never quite reached the same level of success, largely due to his tendency to employ gestures and reactions that were often too broad. Tragically, Lahr's life came to a close in 1967.
