Martin Alan "Marty" Feldman was born on July 8, 1934, in the East End of London, England. His parents, Cecilia and Myer Feldman, were Jewish immigrants from Kiev, Ukraine. His father worked as a gown manufacturer. Marty spent much of his early childhood in the working-class neighborhoods of London, which contributed to the resilience and wit that would later define his comedic persona.
Feldman left school at the age of 15, deciding that formal education was not for him. Inspired by a love for jazz, he initially hoped to pursue a career as a jazz trumpeter. However, his musical aspirations were short-lived; after receiving discouraging feedback during a talent show—where he was labeled one of the worst trumpet players—he abandoned the idea and turned toward comedy.
Marty Feldman launched his career in entertainment as a comedy writer in the late 1950s, contributing to several BBC radio programs. His sharp humor and unique writing style soon made him a sought-after figure in British comedy. Collaborating with other rising talents of the era, Feldman helped script popular material that shaped the golden age of British sketch comedy.
Feldman gained widespread recognition through his work on television series such as At Last the 1948 Show and Marty. The latter, which aired in the late 1960s, was particularly successful, earning him a BAFTA Award and solidifying his place as a leading figure in British television comedy. Known for both his writing prowess and memorable on-screen performances, he brought a surreal and satirical tone to British humor.
One of Feldman's most recognizable features was his prominent, misaligned eyes, which were the result of a thyroid condition known as Graves’ disease. Rather than shy away from the attention this caused, Feldman embraced his distinctive appearance and often used it to comedic effect, becoming an icon of physical comedy.
He had a self-deprecating sense of humor and often joked about his own looks, believing that being able to laugh at oneself was essential in the world of comedy. His physical appearance, combined with his quick wit, made him a unique presence in the entertainment industry.
Marty Feldman died of a heart attack on December 2, 1982, in Mexico City, Mexico, while working on the film Yellowbeard. He was 48 years old. His untimely death cut short a vibrant career that had significantly influenced both British and American comedy.
Today, Marty Feldman is remembered as a pioneering figure in television comedy and for his ability to blend visual humor with intelligent satire. His contributions to British humor continue to inspire comedians and comedy writers around the world.
| Birth Date: | 8 Jul, 1934 |
| Age: | 85 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United Kingdom |
| Birth Place: | London |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | British-American author, actor, comedian and director |
| Net Worth 2021: | 5 million |
