Hollywood’s Favorite Clown: The Del Mar Days of Jimmy Durante

by Debbie L. Sklar

Promotional photo of Jimmy Durante c. 1964 from the television show, *The Hollywood Palace*. This photo was produced before 1978 and has no copyright markings. It can be dated by the ABC information on the back. Public domain, via Wikipedia.com

With his unmistakable gravelly voice and iconic big nose, Jimmy Durante was a beloved American entertainer who left his mark on Hollywood—and horse racing.

His passion for sport, especially at Del Mar Racetrack, made him a cherished part of the community there. Durante’s love affair with Del Mar began in the 1950s and continued well into the 1960s when he became a familiar face every summer. He even planned his performances around racing season so he wouldn’t miss out.

Race on turf track — A race begins on the turf track at Del Mar in its current state. File photo by Chris Stone

“Jimmy loved to play the horses, and he especially loved Del Mar,” said Mac McBride, director of Media at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. “He took part in many of Del Mar’s charity events and considered himself part of the Del Mar family. He’d schmooze with visiting stars and bet the races with both fists.”

Jimmy Durante at Del Mar with actress Jayne Mansfield and noted songwriter Hoagy Carmichael. Photo courtesy DMTC.

But Durante wasn’t just a spectator, he was woven into the very fabric of Del Mar. Whether he was supporting charity events, cracking jokes, or mingling with fellow stars, Durante embodied the spirit of the racetrack.

In 1960, Del Mar honored him by naming its newly created turf course the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. It became his summer playground, filled with laughter, horse betting, and unforgettable moments with racing enthusiasts.

Jimmy Durante was in the winner’s circle at Del Mar in the mid-50s. Photo courtesy DMTC.

Jimmy Durante at Del Mar and hamming it up with trumpet player Al Hirt. Photo courtesy DMTC.

To further honor him, the street leading to the track was named Jimmy Durante Boulevard, forever linking his legacy to the place he loved. (Hollywood Career and Notable Achievements.

The famous Jimmy Durante Boulevard in Del Mar commemorates the actor/comedian. Photo by Chris Jennewein.

Early Days
Born in New York City on Feb. 10, 1893, Durante’s career spanned multiple decades and media, from vaudeville and radio to film and television. Known for his distinct voice, comedic timing, and signature phrase “Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are,” Durante was a beloved figure in American entertainment.

His career highlights included films like The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942) and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) and his long-running The Jimmy Durante Show on television.

Personal Life and Family

Durante was married twice. His first wife, Jeanne Olsen, passed away in 1943. Later, at 67, he married Margaret “Margie” Little, a former Ziegfeld dancer.

The couple adopted a daughter, CeCe, and Durante often credited his family for bringing him peace and joy during his later years. His love for his wife and daughter was well known, and he enjoyed a quiet home life outside his busy public career.

Embed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty Images

Legacy and Passing

From L. to R.: Buster Keaton, Thelma Todd, and Jimmy Durante in *Speak Easily* – cropped screenshot via Wikipedia.com, Pubic Domain.

Durante died on Jan. 29, 1980, at the age of 86, due to complications from pneumonia. He was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, CA. Even after his death, Durante’s warmth and humor resonate with fans. Del Mar, in particular, remains a place where his memory lives on through the Jimmy Durante Turf Course and Jimmy Durante Boulevard, immortalizing his love for racing and his deep connection to the track.

Grave of actor/comedian Jimmy Durante and his second wife, Margaret A. “Margie” Little, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, CA (section F, tier 96, grave 6). IllaZilla, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Final Thoughts

Durante’s legacy isn’t just limited to his performances on screen or stage. His ties to Del Mar reveal a man who cherished life, friendship, and racing. For the residents of Del Mar, Durante was more than a famous face—he was part of their family, and his contributions continue to be celebrated today.

And to Mr. Durante: “Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.”

Ever the horseplayer, Jimmy knew what to do with losing tickets. Photo courtesy DMTC.

Debbie L. Sklar is a long time contributing editor to the Times of San Diego. For more historical stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age visit here.

Sources

Mac McBride, director of media, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Los Angeles Times Obituary

IMDb Jimmy Durante Filmography

Biography

San Diego Union-Tribune: Del Mar Turf Course Naming and Charity Events

City of Del Mar: Jimmy Durante Boulevard Dedication

More about Durante
This list includes Durante’s major roles, but he also made numerous cameo appearances in other shows and specials throughout his career. His unique charm made him a fixture in film and television during his prime.

Films

The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942) – Banjo

Two Girls and a Sailor (1944) – Himself

Music for Millions (1944) – Andrews

It Happened in Brooklyn (1947) – Nick Lombardi

On an Island with You (1948) – Jimmy Buckley

The Milkman (1950) – Uncredited Cameo

The Great Rupert (1950) – Louie Amendola

Billy Rose’s Jumbo (1962) – Pop Wonder

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) – Smiler Grogan

The Yellow Rolls-Royce (1964) – Joey Friedlander

Alice in Wonderland (1966) – Voice of Humpty Dumpty (animated TV special)