Title supplied by cataloger. Harry Einstein, 54, known professionally as Parkyakarkus, comedian, writer, character actor and performer in musicals, radio, cafes and video, died of a fatal heart attack on Nov. 24, 1958 after a monologue at the Friars Club testimonial dinner for Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Einstein suffered the heart attack mere minutes after giving his monologue, and was rushed backstage, where five physicians in attendance worked to revive him. Sadly, despite two hours of continuous resuscitation by the physicians and a rescue squad, Einstein was pronounced dead at 1:20 a.m. 'Parky,' as he was affectionately known, was married to former actress Thelma Leeds at the time of his death, and was the father of four sons: writer Charles Einstein, by his first marriage to Lillian Anshen, and comedians Albert Brooks and Bob Einstein, and advertising executive Clifford Einstein, with second wife, Leeds. His funeral service was attended by 300 mourners, and was buried in the mausoleum at Home of Peace Memorial Park, the first and oldest Jewish cemetery in Los Angeles. Photograph shows Lucille Ball, her then-husband, Desi Arnaz and actor George Murphy, attending funeral services for comedian Harry Einstein, professionally known as Parkyakarkus, who died of a heart attack at a Friars Club banquet Sunday night shortly after concluding a comedic sketch. Among the mourners who filled the chapel (though not pictured) were Milton Berle, Dean Martin, Leo Durocher, Dean Martin, and George Jessel, to name a few. Photograph dated November 27, 1958.
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;21 x 26 cm. Photographic prints
Einstein, Harry,--1904-1958 Einstein, Harry,--1904-1958--Death and burial Ball, Lucille,--1911-1989 Arnaz, Desi,--1917-1986 Murphy, George,--1902-1992 Funeral rites and ceremonies--California--Los Angeles Television actors and actresses--United States Television personalities--United States Radio actors and actresses--United States Entertainers--United States Comedians--United States Actresses--United States Actors--United States Couples--California--Los Angeles Women--California--Los Angeles Men--California--Los Angeles Herald-Examiner Collection photographs Portrait photographs Group portraits
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