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Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine: Two Kids from Brooklyn

February 14–July 27, 2013

This exhibition explores the many talents of the powerful entertainment duo Danny Kaye (1911–1987) and Sylvia Fine (1913–1991), both raised in Brooklyn, New York. Kaye’s career as an entertainer spanned six decades and encompassed nearly every aspect of the performing arts. He had the perfect partner in his wife, Fine, who not only wrote the music and lyrics of hundreds of songs tailored specifically to Kaye’s talents but also produced many of his eclectic engagements and brilliantly managed his career.

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Danny Kaye Onstage

Of all the aspects of Danny Kaye’s career, his live performances were among the most revered. Audiences filled the largest performance venues around the world to witness his unique style of entertainment. Read more about Danny Kaye Onstage »


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Danny Kaye in Film

From 1944 to 1962, Danny Kaye maintained a steady career in the film industry making blockbuster Hollywood movies. His wife, Sylvia Fine, was an integral part of these productions as she wrote the music and lyrics for a majority of his pictures. Read more about Danny Kaye in Film »


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Radio, Television, and Recordings

Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine worked tirelessly in nearly every corner of show business. After a successful Broadway run at the beginning of Kaye’s film career, the duo moved into other realms, including radio, recordings, and television. Read more about Radio, Television, and Recordings »


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Sylvia Fine: The Woman Behind the Curtain

Sylvia Fine was the consummate show-business professional. She managed, organized, and produced much of Danny Kaye’s engagements while having a vibrant career of her own. In the later part of her life, she dedicated much of her time to researching the history of musical theater in America. This work eventually led to the production of a 1979 PBS special titled Musical Comedy TonightRead more about Sylvia Fine: The Woman Behind the Curtain »


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Humanitarian Efforts

Once Kaye’s career took off, he began what would become his lifelong passion of philanthropy. In the 1940s, Kaye performed regularly for war bond sales and worked through the 1960s for the USO. In 1954, Kaye became the first Goodwill Ambassador to UNICEF, a position he held for the remainder of his life. In the same year, Kaye began conducting major symphony orchestras in pension benefit concerts—an unusual career for someone who could not read music. Read more about Humanitarian Efforts »


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