Danny Kaye: Life is a Great Big Canvas
Hans Christian Andersen
The most celebrated actor, singer, dancer, and comedian in the history of entertainment is best known for his physical comedy, idiosyncratic pantomimes, and rapid-fire nonsense songs.
I have been a huge fan of Danny Kaye ever since I watched him in the celebrated biography, “Hans Christen Anderson.”
I don’t ever recall watching an actor who could actually do it all; sing, dance, act, and play the comedian to its fullest until I saw Danny Kaye.
His perfect pitch allowed his voice to reach new directions every time he performed. He was always pushing his limits and accomplished what he set out to do.
His face and red hair was a definite icon of his era. You knew it was Kaye when you saw him on the big screen. That boisterous laugh that could take you to the top of the mountains could be heard for miles. His childish giggle was infectious and once he started, you were sucked up right along with him.
Kaye had a boyish charm that could melt your heart. Every role he played, from a storyteller to a court jester displayed his charm and talent through and through. He was perfect for the role of Hans Christian Anderson as he personified what the storyteller himself would be. He loved children and had the capability of the Pied Piper himself to lead them where he wanted.
Kaye and Ellen
My favorite Danny Kaye movie would be the iconic movie of the holiday season, “White Christmas.” Not because of the storyline itself, but because of the dance and song numbers that were carried throughout the movie by Kaye and Actress co-star Vera Ellen. The two of them were unstoppable. The dance sequence for “The Best Things happen while You’re Dancing” is unmatched even today. The chemistry between Kaye and Ellen were adorable.
The Court Jester
There is one more movie I have always loved watching when I needed a “feel good” movie, “The Court Jester”, which is about a hapless carnival performer who masquerades as the court jester as part of a plot against an evil ruler who has overthrown the rightful king.
The swordfight alone steals the show. The acrobatic flair in which Kaye was able to jump and leap from tables to pillars, etc. were amazing to watch. Keeping in mind that back in “those days”, the actors were actually dancing and 95% of the time did not have stunt doubles.
Kaye would fall in and out of hypnosis during the scene being a frighten little mouse with no clues how to hold a sword to the fearless Giacomo who could sword fight while drinking from his challis and never spilling a drop!
The Danny Kaye Show
Stepping away from the “big screen” and onto the small box of television reminds me of the time watching the “Danny Kaye Show” at the ripe old age of 7 and remembering how much I used to laugh with Kaye and one of his famous co-stars by the name of Lucille Ball. One of the musical sequences with Kaye and Ball was called “The Balloonist.” It is definitely as corny as they come, but the expressions of Kaye and Ball are priceless. It is another prime example of the unmatchable talent of Kaye.
A Lengedary Icon
Danny Kaye also had a very serious side to him as well as a generous heart. He dedicated his life off screen to the UNICEF foundation with unlimited fundraisers. As an accomplished pilot, Kaye flew his own Learjet 24 to 65 cities in 5 days to help raise money for UNICEF.
Before his death in 1987, Danny Kaye demonstrated his ability to conduct an orchestra during a series of comical concerts organized for UNICEF fundraising.
With touching only a minuscule of Danny Kaye’s life, this extraordinary man’s career was extensive in the industry. His legendary wit, comedic value, his perfect pitch, and his supreme dancing and acting abilities would be celebrated throughout his life, beyond his life and handed down from generation to generation through the example of what it means to be the “best of the best.”
March Challenge #5 of 30
What do you remember?
What is your favorite Danny Kaye film?
Additional Celebrity Hubs that you may enjoy!
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Thank you for your comment!
can any body remember a danny kay story about a little mouse
I loved watching him when I was little--it is difficult to find his movies on tv these days--but what a funny, funny man with a huge heart--
Hi :)
Very enjoyable hub!
Danny Kaye was a big favourite in our home, so my memories of him go way back into my early childhood.
I liked him and certainly recognised his talent ~ but sometimes I found that he could just be a bit too much.
Loved 'White Christmas', though, and one of my Mum's favourite songs is 'Civilisation'. I don't suppose that it would be considered very pc nowadays. :)
Great tribute to a great entertainer. "Hans Christian Anderson" is one of my favorite Danny Kaye films. Thanks for a walk down memory lane, Rusticliving. Voted way up and sharing!
I always loved Danny Kaye what a great hub...I remember him in so many movies but my favorite is White Christmas..
voted up
Debbie
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What a great hub! so glad that I saw this one first thjng this morning. You made my day as I rush off into it. I think he was a wonderful actor and his face was so very expressive - he often said much without speaking a word.
Excellent hub on one of the best performers ever...I am linking your Kaye hub to my Kaye hub as they go together very well....voted up and awesome.
I love THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY - all those daydreams/fantasies clearly seen in Kayes face when he switched roles. This is another GREAT HUB!! :-) Votes and shares!! :-)
White Christmas is my all time favorite holiday movie to watch. How can you go wrong with both Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby. Enjoyed your hub. Up and awesome!
Wow! I never thought I would see a hub on Danny Kaye!!! I used to watch him in my childhood! Brings back good memories!
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