Jules Munshin

Jules Munshin (February 22, 1915 – February 19, 1970) was an American actor, comedian, and singer born in New York City. After graduating from high school, Munshin entered show business, working at Catskill resorts and in vaudeville before joining the George Olsen band as a singer. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army, performing in military productions including The Army Play-by-Play and About Face, a touring show that featured Joe Louis.

Munshin's Broadway career spanned from 1943 to 1969. His breakthrough on stage came in 1946 when he joined Call Me Mister, a musical centered on the challenges servicemen faced returning to civilian life; the production ran for 734 performances. His additional Broadway credits include the musical The Gay Life, the play The Good Soup, Bless You All, the musical Show Girl, Mrs. McThing, Barefoot in the Park, and other productions.

In 1948 Munshin transitioned to film, appearing in a series of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musicals. These included Easter Parade (1948), Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949), On the Town (1949), and Silk Stockings (1957). He is perhaps most widely remembered for On the Town, in which he co-starred alongside Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly as sailors on leave in New York City.

In August 1958 Munshin appeared at the Aldwych Theatre in London's West End in George Tabori's play Brouhaha, which starred Peter Sellers and also featured Lionel Jeffries. Directed by Peter Hall, the production ran through February 28, 1959, and one of its September performances was broadcast on the BBC.

Munshin died in New York City on February 19, 1970, three days before his 55th birthday, from a heart attack. He is buried at Long Island National Cemetery.