Rudy Vallee
Acting
Rudy Vallee started his career as a saxophone player and singer and later became a band leader. In the 1920s and early 30s he had a hit radio program, The Fleishmann's Yeast Hour (where he was hated by his cast and crew due to his explosive ego-driven personality). In the early 1930's he was ranked with the likes of Bing Crosby and the tragic Russ Columbo in the Hit Parade. A huge hit on radio in 1933 with his program, initially known as 'The Fleischmann's Yeast Hour,' Vallee was considered a slave driver by his staff. He was known to instigate fist fights with virtually anyone who got on his nerves. During the run of his show he slugged photographers, threw sheet music in the faces of pianists' heads and if provoked, would sock hecklers in the nose. While audiences loved him, he was hated by most of his staff. As a very popular star in night clubs and on records, as well as in movies, he helped other singers like Alice Faye - who was for a while his band singer - and Frances Langford to start their careers. In his early movies he often played the romantic lead, but he switched later to stuffy and comic parts. He also appeared on Broadway. The mid-60's Broadway hit "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" was filmed in 1967 with him in his original Broadway role.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
as J. B. Biggley
Age 65 (now 84)
The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend
as Charles Hingleman
Age 47 (now 84)
Kitty from Kansas City
as Singer with Handlebar Moustache
Age 30 (now 84)
Chita Rivera: A Lot Of Livin' To Do
as Self (archive footage)
Age 114 (now 84)
Betty Boop: Queen of the Cartoons
as Self (archive footage)
Age 93 (now 84)
Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood
as Autograph Hound
Age 74 (now 84)
Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
as Self (archive footage)
Age 74 (now 84)
The Night They Raided Minsky's
as Opening Narrator (voice)
Age 67 (now 84) How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
as J. B. Biggley
Age 65 (now 84)
The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend
as Charles Hingleman
Age 47 (now 84)
11th. Naval District "United States Coast Guard Band"
as Himself - Bandleader
Age 42 (now 84)
Screen Snapshots (Series 23, No. 1): Hollywood in Uniform
as Himself
Age 42 (now 84)
Breakdowns of 1938
as Rudy (archive footage) (uncredited)
Age 37 (now 84)
Things You Never See on the Screen
as Self
Age 34 (now 84)
A Trip Thru a Hollywood Studio
as Himself (uncredited)
Age 33 (now 84)
Kitty from Kansas City
as Singer with Handlebar Moustache
Age 30 (now 84)
The RKO Story: Tales From Hollywood
as Self
Age 85 (now 84)
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
as Self
Age 61 (now 84)
Gathering insights...
Also Known As
Hubert Prior Vallée
IMDB
nm0884964