Harry "Parkyakarkus" Einstein

Harry Einstein (6 May 1904, Boston, Massachusetts — 23 November 1958, Los Angeles, California), best known as his Parkyakarkus character (a consonantal pun on "park your carcass"), was an American comedian and writer, father of actors and comedians Bob Einstein (1942—2019) and Albert Brooks (b. 1947). Self-taught in Greek dialect comedy, Einstein came to nationwide fame in the 1930s with his radio comedy routines, also appearing as Parkyakarkus in popular comedy films. Harry died from a heart attack at only 54, collapsing moments after completing his monologue during the Friars Club-sponsored charitable banquet in Beverly Hills, California. His Hollywood Walk of Fame star bears the "Parkyakarkus" name to honor Harry's attempts to change his legal name to match the beloved alter ego. Einstein grew up in Boston in a Jewish family of mixed Russian-Austrian heritage. His first job was as a newspaper reporter; subsequently, Harry turned to advertising and joined The Hearst Corporation. In 1924, Harry Einstein first appeared on Boston's WEEI radio doing comedy skits as the "Bad Boy from a Good Home;" he continued working in the advertising industry full-time, primarily for furniture companies. One of Harry's friends, Bostonian bandleader Joe Rines, constantly pried him to pursue stand-up comedy. Einstein finally agreed and performed on WMCA Radio, where Rines served as the musical director, with his new character, Greek restaurant owner Nick Parkyakarkus. The act became an instant success, soon catching the attention of major national networks. In 1934, Parkyakarkus appeared on Eddie Cantor's popular show, further solidifying his fame as a frequent guest on Al Jolson's program. Between 1936 and 1945, Harry "Parkyakarkus" Einstein acted in over ten comedy films, including Norman Taurog's Strike Me Pink (1936) and New Faces of 1937 musical. After the Second World War, Einstein launched his solo radio show as Parkyakarkus in 1945, Meet Me at Parky's, writing most of the scripts; some notable cast members included Sheldon Leonard, Elliott Lewis, and Betty Rhodes. Harry's show broadcast on NBC for two years, continuing on Mutual Broadcasting System for the final 1947 season. In November 1958, Harry Einstein attended a charitable event at The Beverly Hilton hosted by Art Linkletter to participate in an honorary Friars Club roast of actress Lucille Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz. After Parkyakarkus delivered the speech, Linkletter remarked, "Every time he finishes, I wonder why isn't he on the air in a prime time." Einstein turned to Milton Berle, who sat next to him at the speaker's table, saying: "Yeah, how come," and suddenly collapsing in Berle's lap. As he shouted: "Is there a doctor in the house," the crowd responded with laughter since the banquet was raising funds for local hospitals, with plenty of physicians in the audience. Moments later, five doctors rushed backstage to aid Harry Einstein. None of the comedians wanted to resume, and Art Linkletter asked Tony Martin to perform a song to comfort the distraught audience. Martin made a comically inappropriate choice, singing "There's No Tomorrow;" despite two hours of continuous resuscitation attempts by the paramedics and several doctors in attendance, Harry Einstein was pronounced dead at 1:20 AM.