All about Chico Marx

Chico was born Leonard Marx on March 22, 1887. He was the eldest brother, and the last one to be recruited into the family act. According to Harpo's autobiography, the group was performing on stage in their early vaudeville days, when they suddenly noticed that Chico was playing the piano. Harpo and Groucho leapt into the orchestra pit and the three started clowning around with the piano. This was one of the Marx Brothers first forays into the improvisational comedy they would become so well known for. Chico's nickname came from his pursuit of women. It was originally "Chicko", but when the brothers decided to use their nicknames on the act's programs, a typesetter made a mistake and the name has been spelled "Chico" ever since.

When the Marx Brothers started making movies, Chico did most of the negotiations, and made sure they were paid a very tidy sum of money. Groucho and Harpo always praised Chico for his mathematical skills. But Chico, his entire life, spent a lot of time gambling, and as a result was frequently short on funds. His brothers were always helpful, making A Night in Casablanca when neither Harpo nor Groucho really needed the money, and Harpo including him in Love Happy. After the Marx Brothers films, Chico did lots of guest appearances, much as Harpo did. Chico died on October 11, 1961 from a heart attack.

Filmography:

Unknown Marx Brothers, The (1993) (TV) (archive footage)

MGM's Big Parade of Comedy (1964)
... aka Big Parade of Comedy, The (1964)

Story of Mankind, The (1957) .... monk

"College Bowl, The" (1950) TV Series .... Host (1950-51)

Love Happy (1950) .... Faustino

Night in Casablanca, A (1946) .... Corbaccio

Big Store, The (1941) .... Ravelli

Go West (1940) .... Joseph Panello
... aka Marx Brothers Go West (1940)

At the Circus (1939) .... Antonio Pirelli
... aka Marx Brothers at the Circus, The (1939)

Room Service (1938) .... Harry Binelli

Day at the Races, A (1937) .... Tony

Night at the Opera, A (1935) .... Fiorello

Duck Soup (1933) .... Chicolini

Horse Feathers (1932) .... Barovelli

Monkey Business (1931) .... A Stowaway

Animal Crackers (1930) .... Signor Emanuel Ravelli

Cocoanuts, The (1929) .... Chico

      Hollywood - The Second Step (????) (uncredited) .... Himself