Fania Borach, professionally recognized as Fanny Brice, left school in 1908 to join a burlesque revue titled The Girls from Happy Land. This early venture into performance served as a catalyst for a decades-long career that spanned vaudeville, the Ziegfeld Follies, and the emerging medium of radio, establishing her as a versatile performer across American popular culture.
Early Career and Ziegfeld Follies
Born in Manhattan in 1891, Brice was the daughter of Rose and Charles Borach. Following her initial burlesque experience, she joined Florenz Ziegfeld’s Follies in 1910 and 1911. Her association with Ziegfeld continued intermittently until the 1930s. During the 1921 Follies, she introduced the song My Man, which became a commercial success for the Victor Talking Machine Company and earned a Grammy Hall of Fame Award. Another signature performance from the same production was Second Hand Rose.
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Brice expanded her presence into radio in 1930 with the Philco Hour, followed by regular appearances on The Chase and Sanborn Hour in 1933. She achieved significant success portraying a toddler named Baby Snooks, a character originally developed for a skit co-written by Moss Hart. This role anchored The Baby Snooks Show, which moved from CBS to NBC in 1948. Her sole television appearance occurred on June 12, 1950, when she performed as Baby Snooks on the CBS-TV program Popsicle Parade of Stars.
Film and Personal Life
Her film credits include the 1928 feature My Man, Be Yourself! in 1930, and Everybody Sing in 1938. She also appeared as herself in The Great Ziegfeld and Ziegfeld Follies. Her personal life involved three marriages: to Frank White, gambler Nicky Arnstein, and producer Billy Rose. Brice moved to California in 1937, eventually residing in a home in Holmby Hills designed by John Elgin Woolf. She died in 1951 from a cerebral hemorrhage at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Hollywood.
Fast facts
- Born: 1891, Manhattan, United States
- Died: 1951, Hollywood, United States
- Signature songs: My Man, Second Hand Rose
- Radio creation: Baby Snooks
- Burial location: Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery
- Major award: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Questions readers ask
What was the inspiration for the stage and film production Funny Girl?
The production is loosely adapted from the life of Fanny Brice.
Who were Fanny Brice's children?
She had two children: Frances Brice Stark and William Brice.
Achievements
- Worked as musician, singer and stage actor
