Was also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, knife-thrower, expert shot, rope-spinner, juggler and acrobat.
Born Joe Lopez; orphaned at age 3; adoptive family name was Cook.
Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith, pg. 118-119.
New York: Facts on File, 1992.
ISBN 0816023387
Began as a juggler and song-and-dance man in vaudeville and later headlined as a comic on Broadway. Signed by Columbia in 1930 to recreate his stage performance in "Rain or Shine", directed by Frank Capra.
Survived by his widow, Mrs. Alice Boulden Cook, and four children by his first marriage: Joe Jr., Leo, Mrs. E.C. Lee and Mrs. Raymond Bernaby.