Harpo Marx

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Lobby card for Duck Soup (1933) showing Harpo Marx in a blue uniform, Chico Marx, Zeppo Marx, and Groucho Marx with a painted mustache and glasses, standing together.

The Marx Brothers-Zeppo, Chico, Groucho, and Harpo-stand in a row holding rifles in a chaotic room, dressed in comic military uniforms in a scene from the 1933 film Duck Soup.

Groucho Marx, Margaret Dumont, Chico Marx, and Harpo Marx stand together in formal and comedic costumes, surrounded by police officers, in a scene from A Night at the Opera.

Harpo Marx

American actor

Also known as: Adolph Arthur Marx

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

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Harpo Marx — Harpo Marx Harpo Marx, c. 1935.

Harpo Marx, born Adolph Marx on November 23, 1888, was an American actor and comedian, best known as one of the Marx Brothers. He was part of a famous comedy team that gained popularity on stage, screen, and radio for their inventive and chaotic humor.12

Harpo's character was unique: he played a mute who communicated through gestures, whistles, and horn-honking, embodying pure, unbridled emotion. Despite having no formal musical training, he was a proficient harpist, often featuring solos in their films. He appeared in numerous films with his brothers, including classics like Duck Soup, A Night at the Opera, and A Day at the Races. Harpo Marx passed away on September 28, 1964.21

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Marx Brothers
October 11, 1961, Hollywood, California), Harpo (original name Adolph Marx, later Arthur Marx; b. November 23, 1888, New York City—d. September 28, 1964, Hollywood), Groucho (original name Julius Henry Marx; b. October 2, 1890, New York City—d. August 19, 1977, Los Angeles, California), Gummo (original name Milton Marx; b. October…
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October 11, 1961, Hollywood, California), Harpo (original name Adolph Marx, later Arthur Marx; b. November 23, 1888, New York City—d. September 28, 1964, Hollywood), Groucho (original name Julius Henry Marx; b. October 2, 1890, New York City—d. August 19, 1977, Los Angeles, California), Gummo (original name Milton Marx; b. October…
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Algonquin Round Table
Legend has it that the group’s first lunch was a welcome home gathering (and literary roast) for Woollcott, who…
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Legend has it that the group’s first lunch was a welcome home gathering (and literary roast) for Woollcott, who…
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Duck Soup
…the whim of Firefly, and Harpo played his characteristically silent sidekick.
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…the whim of Firefly, and Harpo played his characteristically silent sidekick.
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A Night at the Opera
…and Lassaparri’s former dresser (Harpo Marx). During the trip they become entangled with the charming young opera singer Rosa (Kitty Carlisle). After the ship docks, further comic mishaps ensue as the men try to help the careers of Rosa and Baroni.
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…and Lassaparri’s former dresser (Harpo Marx). During the trip they become entangled with the charming young opera singer Rosa (Kitty Carlisle). After the ship docks, further comic mishaps ensue as the men try to help the careers of Rosa and Baroni.
Read More