Rodney Dangerfield

November 22, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Jacob Rodney Cohen, or Rodney Dangerfield, was born on November 22, 1921, in New York, the U.S. He was a man of many talents: comedian, actor, producer, screenwriter, author, and musician. Famous for his self-deprecating humor and catchphrase, “I don’t get no respect,” he started his career as a stand-up comic in New York. In the 1960s and 1970s, he was the main act on late-night talk shows and headlining act on the Las Vegas casino circuit. He also appeared in many films, such as “The Projectionist” (1970), “Caddyshack” (1980), “Easy Money” (1983), and other comedy movies. He died on October 05, 2004, because of cardiac complications.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Jacob Rodney Cohen

Nickname:

Rodney Dangerfield, Jack, Jackie, Mad Jack

Birth date:

November 22, 1921

Death date:

October 5, 2004 (age 82)

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

5' 10.4"

Net Worth:

$10 million

Background

Rodney Dangerfield, a comedian, actor, producer, and author, was born Jacob Rodney Cohen on November 22, 1921, in New York, U.S. At 15, he started writing stand-up scripts for comedians. At 19, he changed his name to Jack Roy and began performing as a stand-up comedian. As a struggling artist, he worked sundry jobs for extra money. For some time, he gave up his passion for show business and started working as a salesman.

In the early 1960s, he made his comeback by performing in hotels at night while working as a salesman during the day. His comeback wasn’t an immediate success, but it created an on-stage comic character in whose life nothing goes right. The name of this new and relatable character was ‘Rodney Dangerfield.’ This act became a hit on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1968, where his “No Respect” bit became popular. He appeared on “The Tonight Show” starring Johnny Carson (1972) and “The Dean Martin Show” (1973) while busy headlining shows in Las Vegas. With his rising popularity, he opened Dangerfield’s Comedy Club in New York City and performed daily. The club soon evolved into a stage for budding stand-up comedians. Cohen made his movie debut in “The Projections” (1971) and appeared in more comedies later in his career. Some of his comic hits include “Caddyshack” (1980), “Easy Money” (1983), and “Back to School” (1986), which became his biggest film. He released a comedy album titled “No Respect” in 1980, which won a Grammy Award. His next album, “Rappin’ Rodney,” topped the Hot 100 rap records and the video became an M.T.V. hit. With the launch of his website in 1995, he became the first celebrity to own and create content for a personal website. He got nominated for and won various awards, such as the Grammy Award, American Comedy Award, and Webby Award, amongst others.

Cohen was married twice, first to Joyce Indig (1951), and then to Joan Child (1993). He had two children from each marriage. He passed away at the age of 82 in 2004.

Career timeline

1960

The Comeback to Comedy

Cohen makes his stage comeback by performing in hotels while working as a salesman during the day.

1968

The Breakthrough Arrives

With a new stage name and persona, Cohen becomes a hit after appearing on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and his “No Respect” bit becomes popular.

1969

The Comedy Club is Opened

Cohen and his friend Anthony Bevacqua open their comedy club in New York City to avoid travel and perform daily.

1980

The Breakthrough in Acting

Cohen’s performance in the comedy movie “Caddyshack” becomes one of his highly praised performances, and he gets more roles in comedy movies.

1995

The Website is launched

Cohen creates a website which makes him the first celebrity to own and manage a website

1981

The Grammy Award

Cohen’s comedy album, titled “No Respect,” wins a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording.

Why We Love Rodney Dangerfield

His hard work and dedication
Despite his struggles, Cohen was always determined to achieve his dreams. This resulted in his career peaking after years of hard work, at the ripe age of 60. He never gave up and finally achieved success.
His support for other comedians
As a successful comedian, Cohen always supported upcoming comedians by providing them with opportunities to showcase their art. He always encouraged new talent through his comedy club or personally inviting them to open his shows.
His love for his family
Cohen was a family man. He opened his comedy club in New York City so that he could perform daily and still be near his children. He was clear about his priorities.

5 Surprising Facts

He did odd jobs
As a teenager, Cohen sold ice cream on the beach, delivered groceries, took care of a newsstand, and worked at a soda fountain.
He declined a reputed invitation
After fans protested the Academy for rejecting Cohen’s membership in 1995, he was invited again, but he refused to accept the membership.
His signature outfit is on display
Cohen’s outfit, a black suit, and red tie became a permanent collection at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.
The quote on his tombstone
He was truly a comedian; even his tombstone has a joke written on it.
He helped many comedians
Cohen’s comedy club became the venue for stand-up comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Carrey, Tim Allen, and Bob Saget.