Comedic mastermind Marty Feldman has always poked fun at himself. The British actor’s big break came in 1974 in Mel Brooks’s Young Frankenstein, when he pronounced the character’s name, Igor, as “Eye-Gor”.
Unfortunately, Feldman had a thyroid condition, sometimes referred to as Graves’ disease, which caused his eyes to be misaligned and protruding.
Feldman liked to make fun of himself, but an eye problem made life difficult for him. He endured bullying as a youngster and was even made fun of by his own boss when he entered the entertainment industry.
But Feldman decided not to let that get him down. Knowing that people would notice his deviations, he honed his acting and writing skills.
Feldman’s career was ultimately a great success, despite the tragic end of his life. That’s all the information you need about the famous Marty Feldman!
It’s hard to think of Hollywood without seeing the glitz, the famous people, the big, lavish houses, and the spectacular galas. Most people believe that Hollywood celebrities are among the most attractive people in the world, a carefully selected group of individuals who have one thing in common: they are winners of the genetic lottery.
However, this is not always the case, and exceptionally good looks are not necessary to become a star.
Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of Hollywood celebrities with unique looks, some due to various illnesses or disabilities. Consider Michael Berryman, of The Hills Have Eyes fame, as someone who serves as a bit of an inspiration to aspiring actors.
The ability to feel comfortable in your own skin is essential. Likewise, it’s important to have confidence in yourself, no matter what flaws you think you have.
Marty Feldman: A Unique Icon of Hollywood
Even though we may not always be happy with everything in our lives, in the end, what matters is that we are accepted and comfortable with who we are. It’s important to embrace who you are rather than seeking approval from others, although that’s certainly easier said than done.
Some people feel that change on a deeper level is necessary, while others choose to change their hairstyle, go to the gym, or even undergo surgery as a way to deal with their perceived flaws.
We want to emphasize again that you should always follow your happiness and comfort. This means that regardless of the reason for the operation, we recommend a consultation with a qualified professional if you are considering having it performed. Do your homework thoroughly because it’s your health.
As mentioned, some people change their body style or appearance because it makes them uncomfortable, but others are happy with who they are and don’t care what others think.
For Marty Feldman, the famous comedian and actor who made his breakthrough in 1974’s Young Frankenstein, it was.
Feldman had an unusual appearance due to his bulging eyes caused by thyroid disease. At first, Feldman’s unique appearance was far from helpful, but once he came to terms with it, he was able to make the most of his circumstances.
Marty Feldman’s Formative Years On July 8, 1934, Marty Feldman was born Martin Alan Feldman in London, England. His parents grew up in the East End of Canning Town and were Jewish immigrants from Ukraine. He recalled that they struggled to make ends meet and were “always slipping out of their digs” because of unpaid rent.
When Marty went to school, he was typically the only Jewish student and didn’t enjoy the class. As revealed by The Jewish Daily Forward, he was expelled from and ran away from his schools several times.
“In eYE Marty’s autobiography, Marty recalled that I didn’t take Bible class because I was Jewish.” “They would just give me more math because they didn’t know what to do with me.
God knows math was hard, so the Bible must have been laborious.”
Feldman was fascinated by comedy as a young child. For him, it turned into a means of solace from the pain caused by the bullying he experienced from classmates and teachers. After witnessing comedian Danny Kaye’s show at the London Palladium, he decided to try it himself.
Feldman tried his hand at stand-up comedy by appearing at bar mitzvahs.
But the crowd wasn’t impressed when he used material that belonged to Mickey Rooney and Jack Carson.
“I didn’t see anything inappropriate about a 12-year-old smoking a cigarette and talking about my wife,” Feldman said. “I didn’t understand why they got mad at me!”
Feldman immediately had a distinctive look. His thyroid problem was eventually identified as Graves’ disease.
Graves’ disease is an eye disease. His eyes were out of their sockets and misaligned as a result. Things became even more problematic when he nearly drowned as a child and doctors had to perform a tracheotomy, according to a 1979 Charlotte News article. During his teenage years, he also often damaged his nose while boxing for the Jewish Brigade, giving him a unique appearance.
He once stated, “Physically, I’m pretty much equipped to be a clown.”
Feldman decided to do something else with his life and left school before turning fifteen. He went to Paris where he had some work and soon developed a love for jazz. However, the comedian and actor quickly realized that music was not really his thing.
Returning to England, he began producing poems and comedy sketches, and soon after became interested in a comedian named John Law.
This led him to his first BBC writing job, Educating Archie, and in 1966 he was promoted to head writer and editor of the satirical program The Frost Report, which made famous comic John Cleese famous to British television audiences. It also became the program that catapulted Marty Feldman into the spotlight as a comedian.
Marty said: “David [Frost] wanted the writers to create a comedy special and insert it at the end of the series.
“The other three experienced it, but somehow I was one of them. I was in the pilot as a performer and the show was a success.”
“Eyes scare people.
Feldman wrote the scripts for the sitcoms Bootsie and Snudge and The Army Game with writer Berry Tooke. In addition, they wrote three episodes for the BBC comedy series Round the Horne, which attracted over 15 million listeners each episode in the mid-1960s.
Feldman, that being said, never really cared what others thought of his appearance. However, it became problematic when he started working at The Frost Report.
Talk show host and comedian David Frost reportedly did not like Marty’s appearance.
He also stated that he would quit if he was given more airtime because he thought “the eyes would scare people”.
Feldman decided to step out of the shadows and try his luck in front of the camera in 1967. He starred in At Last the 1948 Show alongside Graham Chapman, Tim Brooke-Taylor, and John Cleese.
The show was a big hit, even though Frost thought it was a terrible idea to put Feldman on camera. In fact, Monty Python originated from this program.
Marty focused on becoming a movie star in the early 1970s. In the 1970 comedy film Every Home Should Have One, the comedian and screenwriter won the lead role.
Four years later, when Feldman was cast by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstein, he had a major breakthrough in the US.
Young Frankenstein starring Marty Feldman.
Marty was truly special to Brooks. Ironically, Igor’s name was pronounced “Eye-Gor” for his character.
Recalling his collaboration with Feldman on Young Frankenstein, Brooks said, “I was trying to figure out where he was looking at first.”
His gaze is directed in about nineteen different directions. They resemble hard-boiled eggs with incorrectly painted eyeballs. I would first try to signal him to slow down by obstructing his view. Then I would say, “Marty, do a great job.” That’s okay, he would say. Indeed, he was. After Marty, there will never be another Igor. The part will have to be discarded. It is he.”
Feldman’s life was perfect at this point. The Hollywood celebrity enjoyed not only a successful job but also a nice family life.
He married Lauretta Sullivan in 1959 and they had two children.
Feldman was aware that his “frog” eyes were unique. Although he got his big break, he was also certain that he would never become a major movie star.
However, in his own words, “If I wanted to be Robert Redford, I’d get my nose and eyes done and end up like every other bad actor with two lines on [the 1970 cop show].” Kojak. In that sense, I am unique.”
Feldman even went so far as to call his appearance “a summary of the disasters of my life,” realizing that accepting the way he looks is probably the wisest course of action.
He even had his own late-night variety show on TV called The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine, but unfortunately, it didn’t last very long. He appeared in The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother in 1975 opposite Gene Wilder.
Marty Feldman, who tragically died of shellfish poisoning
Feldman also had the opportunity to try his hand at directing as the director of Beau Geste’s Last Remake and In God We Trust (1980). Unfortunately, neither was a hit and due to poor box office returns, Universal ended up terminating his contract.
When Feldman landed a role in the pirate movie Yellowbeard, he was ready to make a splash. The film was nearing completion in Mexico City in December 1982 but ended tragically.
Feldman, 48, died of a massive heart attack caused by shellfish poisoning while waiting in his hotel room in case he needed to film something.
About a hundred of his closest friends and family attended the service in the Hollywood Hills before he was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles next to his comedy idol Buster Keaton.
He remained married to Lauretta until the end.
“People saw the humanity and affection he had. The kids adored him because he treated everyone the same,” says friend and actor Henry Pollack.
“I guess Marty Feldman wouldn’t enjoy this funeral because he never attended. But he did show up, didn’t he?”
Mel Brooks noted, “Marty Feldman was uniquely gifted.” Writing about this kind of loss is difficult, if not impossible, because of the multitude of complex emotions. I will miss him.
Marty Feldman’s journey is a vivid illustration of how talent and resilience can overcome physical challenges and societal expectations. His distinctive appearance, a result of Graves’ disease, initially presented numerous obstacles, from childhood bullying to skepticism in the entertainment industry. However, Feldman’s unwavering determination and exceptional comedic talent allowed him to turn these challenges into the defining characteristics of his successful career.
Feldman’s rise to fame, marked by his unforgettable role as Igor in “Young Frankenstein,” showcased not only his comedic genius but also his ability to embrace and exploit his uniqueness. His self-deprecating humor and distinctive appearance became his hallmarks, endearing him to audiences and cementing his place in Hollywood history. Feldman’s story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one’s individuality, no matter how unconventional it may seem.
In addition to his professional achievements, Feldman’s personal life was equally fulfilling. His long-lasting marriage to Lauretta Sullivan and their family life provided him with a stable and loving foundation that highlighted the man behind the comedic persona. Despite the industry’s superficial tendencies, Feldman remained down-to-earth, valuing authenticity and personal connections over public perception.
The tragic end of Feldman’s life at the age of 48 due to shellfish poisoning underscores the fragility of life and the often unpredictable nature of existence. His untimely death was a significant loss to the world of entertainment, but his legacy continues to inspire. Feldman’s ability to turn adversity into a source of strength and humor serves as a powerful reminder that our perceived imperfections can become our greatest assets.
In remembering Marty Feldman, we celebrate not only his contribution to comedy but also his resilience, humanity, and unwavering commitment to being true to himself. His life and career offer valuable lessons in self-acceptance, perseverance, and the lasting impact of embracing one’s unique path. Marty Feldman’s story is a beacon of inspiration, encouraging us to find strength in our differences and always strive to bring laughter and joy to the world, no matter the challenges we face.