Harry Parke

Harry Einstein (May 6 1904 – November 24 1958) was an American comedian and writer, usually known by the name Harry Parke, but who was variously credited as Harry Einstein, Harold Einstein, Harry "Parkyakarkus" Einstein, Parkyakarkus and Parkyarkarkus.

He was born in Boston, Massachusetts and became famous as the character Parkyakarkus (or Parkyarkarkus) — park your carcass; that is, sit down — who garbled Greek on Eddie Cantor's radio show and appeared in eleven films using this name from 1936 to 1945. He was also known as Harry Einstein, according to Art Linkletter's 1960 memoir, "Confessions of a Happy Man".

Death on stage

Parke died from a heart attack at a Friar's Club Roast of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz on November 24, 1958 in Los Angeles, California. [ [http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/8135/shawn.html The "Happy Deaths" of Dick Shawn and Parkyakarkus] ] When Parke slumped onto Milton Berle's lap at the event, Berle asked "Is there a doctor in the house?"; this remark was met with laughter, as the crowd was unaware that Berle was being serious. Berle then directed crooner Tony Martin to sing a song to divert the crowd's attention; Martin's unfortunate choice was "There's No Tomorrow."According to Art Linkletter in his autobiography "Confessions of a Happy Man," just after Parkyakarkus expired, Desi Arnaz commented, "a moment ago this award was the most important thing in the world. Now it ain't worth a damn thing."

Private life

He married Thelma Leeds on February 7 1937, and his children include the comedians Albert Brooks, Bob Einstein (aka Super Dave Osborne) and advertising creative/actor Clifford Einstein.

Notes

See also

*Albert Brooks
*Bob Einstein
*List of people who died onstage

External links

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