Al Ritz (born Albert "Al" Joachim; August 27, 1901 – December 22, 1965), was an American comedian, actor and entertainer. Ritz was the oldest of the Ritz Brothers.
Early life
Ritz was born Albert Joachim on August 27, 1901, in Newark, New Jersey. Ritz had three brothers, George, Samuel (later "Jimmy Ritz"), and Harry, and a sister, Gertrude Soll..
Career
Early career
Ritz began his solo career shortly after he finished high school to join vaudeville.
The Ritz Brothers
After the three Joachim brothers graduated from high school, they decided to team up as a song-and-comedy act. The brothers began using the name "Ritz" for their nightclub act reportedly after seeing the name on the side of a laundry truck. With fourth brother George acting as their agent, the Ritz Brothers worked nightclubs and vaudeville. The act consisted of the trio indulging in precision dancing, tongue-twisting lampoons of popular stories and songs, and slapstick.
In 1934, the Ritz boys made their screen debut in the two-reel comedy Hotel Anchovy, which led to their being signed by 20th Century Fox as a specialty act. Sing, Baby, Sing (1936) was the first feature film to costar the Ritzes, and their first starring role followed a year later in Life Begins in College.
Personal life
Ritz was married once, to Antoinette 'Annette' Calamari Ritz. They were married until his death. Ritz did not have any children.
Death
The Ritz Brothers were appearing at New Orleans' Roosevelt Hotel in December 1965 when Al died of a heart attack on December 22.
Filmography
YearMovie 1934 Hotel Anchovy 1936 Sing, Baby, Sing1937 Cinema Circus 1937 One in a Million 1937 On the Avenue 1937 You Can't Have Everything 1937 Life Begins in College1937 Ali Baba Goes to Town 1938 The Goldwyn Follies 1938 Kentucky Moonshine 1938 Straight Place and Show 1939 The Three Musketeers 1939 The Gorilla 1939 Pack Up Your Troubles 1940 Argentine Nights 1942 Behind the Eight Ball 1943 Hi'ya, Chum1943 Show-Business at War 1943 Never a Dull Moment 1956 Brooklyn Goes to Las Vegas
References
External links