Frank Fay (comedian)
Vaudeville's highest-paid headliner who pioneered stand-up comedy.
He is best known as the first husband of actress Barbara Stanwyck.
- field
- Vaudeville, film, stage, radio
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Pioneer of stand-up comedy, role of Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, first husband of Barbara Stanwyck
Lore & Background
Frank Fay was born in San Francisco, California, to Irish Catholic parents. He took the professional name Frank Fay after concluding that his birth name was not suitable for the stage. As a child, he appeared in Victor Herbert's operetta Babes in Toyland. He was one of the most analyzed comedians, with his timing and delivery praised. When talkies arrived, Warner Bros. studio was eager to put him under contract. His pre-Code risque humor did not bode well with the rising conservative movement ushered in by the Great Depression.
Reader's Guide
Frank Fay's significance lies in his pioneering role in stand-up comedy, with a carefully planned 'off the cuff' style that was original for its time. However, his legacy is complicated by his notorious narcissism, bigotry, and alcoholism. According to the American Vaudeville Museum, 'even when sober, he was dismissive and unpleasant, and he was disliked by most of his contemporaries.' Actor Robert Wagner wrote that Fay was 'one of the most dreadful men in the history of show business.' His rightwing political views and abrasive personality contributed to his fall into obscurity. He is best remembered today as the first husband of Barbara Stanwyck and for his role in the Broadway play Harvey.
Did You Know?
- Frank Fay was born Francis Anthony Donner and changed his name because he felt his birth name was not suitable for the stage.
- Fay performed a routine analyzing the 'senseless' lyrics of popular songs, such as 'Tea for Two,' which did not endear him to songwriters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Frank Fay called 'the first stand-up' comedian?
He is credited with being the pioneer who established the model of a single comic delivering jokes and stories directly to a live audience, before that format became an industry standard. His solo vaudeville act laid the groundwork for what we now call stand-up comedy.
What happened to Frank Fay's career after the 1920s?
A mix of his confrontational, abrasive personality and his outspoken right-wing political positions steadily eroded his public appeal. By the later decades of his life he had slipped into relative obscurity despite his earlier stardom.
What is Frank Fay's connection to Barbara Stanwyck?
He was the first husband of the iconic actress Barbara Stanwyck, a marriage that eventually ended in divorce. This personal link is one of the most frequently cited biographical facts when fans research his life.
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