Jimmy Durante

 James Francis Durante was affectionately known as Jimmy Durante. However, he was better known by his unique name of Schnozzola. (From the Yiddish schnoz-nose)   Jimmy was born on February 10, 1893 and died on January 29, 1980. He was the youngest of four children. Both of his parents were migrants from Salerno, Italy.   Durante dropped out of school in the eighth grade to become a full-time ragtime pianist. Along with being a pianist, he was a unique singer, a comedian and an actor. His voice was gravelly, his accent typical New Yorkese, his language was pure botchery and he always had a unique persona.

 My adopted parents- Charles and Betty Miller- ran a string of racehorses, and I often visited them at the Del Mar racetrack. Inevitably Durante, Bing Crosby and Desi Arnes were in their own box. Jimmy really loved the horses.

 Jimmy Durante was a star on stage, the radio, movies and television. His personal sayings were famous. “Inka Dinka Du,” “Good Night, Mrs. Calabash,” “Dat’s Moral Turpentine,” “I’ve Got A Million of ‘Em,” were only a few of his crazy sayings.    But my favorite of all of them is one that has a powerful truth in it. “Everybody has a Schnozzle.” His nose was an aberration. He made fun of Danny Thomas’ nose by calling him “Little nose.” Jimmy had an unusually large schnoz.   Just think about it. Everyone, just about all, really do have something about them that is out of the ordinary. Oprah has a weight problem. President Obama has big ears. Danny DeVito is very short. Jim Nabors is homely. To name a few.

 But what about those that have “buck” teeth; or too skinny; or bow legged; or cross-eyed; or stutter like Mel Tillis; or one leg that is shorter; or a harelip; or pigeon-toed; or a double chin; or a prominent birth mark; or a lisp. On and on.   Durante was right. “Everyone has a schnozzle.”

 Durante was well known for his support of a number of agencies that benefited children. Above all he was strongly supportive of Veteran Hospitals and all servicemen.   One particular incident that was told about him, I’ve never forgotten. He had been invited to put on a show for wounded veterans at a hospital.  His agent informed them that he was so busy he could only do a thirty minute show.   As Durante was introduced he was standing off stage. As the crowd roared with approval, they clapped with excitement. Looking from his vantage spot he saw two wounded veterans enthusiastically applauding. One had lost his left arm and the other his right arm.   They were clapping-each with the other using their good hands and arms. Jimmy Durante changed the time. He did a two hour performance.

 At his funeral, four days after his death, scores of celebrities and well-wishers attended the service. He was interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.   It is impossible to calculate the influence and benefits he brought to others in his lifetime.   However, it seems to me there was a two-pronged message that his life and words projected: The word is COMPENSATE.

 Beginning with Sigmoid Freud many psychologists like Adler, Maslow, Glasser and Rogers defined compensate as a “defense mechanism.” As in making up for some defect or weakness.    Often couples that cannot have children “compensate” by adopting children, or becoming elementary school teachers.   Another major use for compensation is as a “coping strategy.” For example many individuals that cannot make it themselves as a sports participant, use coaching as a coping strategy.

 So it was with Jimmy Durante.    He was not handsome (big nose); he was a mediocre pianist; he was a lousy singer with a gravelly voice; and he wasn’t very smart-dropping out of school in the eighth grade.   He compensated, adapting humor into his looks using his schnoz. He played jazz-not having to read music. He made up melodies and used strange words in singing.- Inka, dinka doo.

 Durante was funny. His persona was attractive and he made the audience laugh. He was entertaining.  He possessed another quality that every public performer needs; whether they be comic, a minister or a politician-compassion. A caring attitude for the audience.   The memory of Jimmy the Schnoz Durante will last as long as we who heard him will live-and then longer.

Amen. Selah. So be it.

 

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT

G. W. Abersold Ph.D.