Home> Facts and Trivia > Stars > William Demarest
William Demarest Facts
| Sign | Pisces |
| Born |
Feb 27, 1892 St. Paul, MN |
| Died |
Dec 28, 1983 Palm Springs, CA |
| Age | Died at 91 |
| Total Facts | 10 |
A golf enthusiast, he died the same day and year as pro golfer Jimmy Demaret.
Began his career in vaudeville.
Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. Pg. 135. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387
Brother of actor Rube Demarest.
Co-starred on NBC Radio's "The Eddie Bracken Story" (1945).
Former professional boxer
Had a falling-out with actor/singer Al Jolsen
Hated to talk about his boxing career
Interestingly, Mr. Demarest appeared in "The Jazz Singer" (albeit uncredited) starring Al Jolson and also appeared in the "The Jolson Story" (and later "Jolson Sings Again") which recounts (among other things) the making of "The The Jazz Singer." He appears to be the only performer to have appeared in both movies.
Played a character with the name Steve Martin in two movies The Jolson Story (1946) and Jolson Sings Again (1949).