George Kirby

Comedian

Birthday June 8, 1923

Birth Sign Gemini

Birthplace Chicago, IL

DEATH DATE Sep 30, 1995 (72)

#140,130 Most Popular

About

Comedian, blues singer, and dancer who was one of the first African-American performers to cross over to mainstream audiences. In 1972 he was given his own sketch and variety show, the George Kirby Comedy House.

Before Fame

He first performed in local South Side Chicago clubs in the 1940s.

Trivia

He is known for his appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dean Martin Show, and The Jackie Gleason Show, where he often did impressions of both black and white celebrities.

Family Life

He married Rosemary Kirby in 1960, and the two remained married until his death in 1995.

Associated With

He was a regular performer on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in the 1960s.