The Hollywood Museum Marx Brothers Exhibit

Jade Marx spoke at the opening of the Marx Brothers exhibit at Hollywood Museum, along with other Marx family members. She recalls her only memory of grandpa Groucho and stories of growing up as family of the famous actors.

Grandparents often play a profound role in a child’s development and life, providing not just affection and guidance, but a link to family history. Their absence, however, can leave a void that lasts a lifetime. But what if a missing grandparent is a beloved celebrity, admired around the world – someone whose legacy is shared publicly, but whose presence is never personally experienced?

In 1977, Jade Marx was just 3 years old when her maternal grandfather died. He was comedy legend Groucho Marx.

Along with regular on-screen brothers Chico and Harpo, as well as lesser-known siblings Zeppo and Gummo, the Marx family is currently being honored with a new exhibit – “The Legends of Laughter: The Marx Brothers.” Along with other family members, Jade Marx was invited to celebrate the opening of the Marx Brothers exhibit on July 17 at the Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building (www.thehollywoodmuseum.com).

“The only memory I have of Groucho is being in his arms at his house and he was in his pajamas,” recalled Jade from Los Angeles. “But my grandmother and mother have shared stories about him and the family over the years.”

Jade was one of several speakers at the exhibit’s opening, along with other guests including Harpo’s son (Bill Marx), Gummo’s grandson (Greg Marx), and Groucho’s grandson (Andy Marx) as well as family friends, entertainment historians, and celebrities.

“This was possibly the most Marx Brothers family members I’ve been in the same room with at the same time and it was so much fun – I think we should do a reunion!” she said. “We’ve all gone in different professional directions.”

In addition to working as an actor, Jade dabbled in real estate and worked as a wellness professional. She took a hiatus from the entertainment industry to raise her son, who she says also has the acting bug. She’s now returning to acting and performing as well as producing and writing projects, including some about her family.

“I can’t talk about those just yet,” she said. “But I’m an artist and it’s the heart of my being and my family’s.”

The new exhibit includes Marx-related items never before seen on public display, says Donelle Dadigan, the founder and president of the Hollywood Museum.

“I believe it’s one of the most comprehensive Marx Brothers exhibits, period,” she said from Hollywood. “It runs until the end of the year. We’ve got costumes that Groucho, Chico, and Harpo wore in the films that we pair with stills from the movies. Fans will recognize them.”

Other items include numerous photos, posters, and even Harpo’s artwork, as well as Harpo’s wig, iconic horn, and prop trunk, Chico’s hat, and Groucho’s glasses.

“Those wire rim glasses were very magical to me,” added Jade. “His eyes were so famous. There’s a lot of neat things I’ve never seen before including a ‘You Bet Your Life’ board game [from Groucho’s TV show] that I never knew existed. But I find the costumes particularly fascinating because you get to see their body frames and sizes, which aren’t always obvious on film. You can imagine them right there in front of you in those familiar outfits like Harpo’s trench coat.”

Although a regular viewer of Marx Brothers movies over the years, Jade doesn’t recall the first film she saw.

“But I do remember being overwhelmed when I first realized I was watching my family,” she recalled. “I couldn’t immerse myself in the films initially because that fact was distracting. However, over time I’ve come to enjoy their movies like anyone in the audience.”

As a child, Jade was instructed by her mother (Melinda Marx) not to tell others about the family’s link to Hollywood.

“She’s a very private person, but she also wanted people to like us for who we are, not because of our Hollywood connection,” explained Jade. “It seemed strange when I was young, but as I’ve grown older, I understand why she did that.”

As for losing a famous grandparent as a toddler, Jade has come to appreciate the historic footage of her grandfather.

“For most people losing a grandparent decades ago, they may only have photos to remember them by,” she says. “But I can access all those film and television images, and I can hear his voice. So it’s really a blessing and makes me closer to him and my uncles. I’m very proud to be a Marx.”

PHOTO CAPTION, TOP: Items in the Marx Brothers exhibit, including one of the dangling prop ducks from Groucho’s TV series, “You Bet Your Life.” PHOTO CREDIT: Sheri Determan, Courtesy Hollywood Museum.

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers, including many in the Boomer nostalgia and humor departments. See www.getnickt.org