Milton Berle

Mendel Berlinger, better known as Milton Berle, (July 12, 1908 – March 27, 2002) was an American actor and comedian.

Early life
Berle was born Mendel Berlinger in Manhattan, New York City. He was raised Jewish. Berle studied at Professional Children's School. His career began in 1914, when he was 5 years old.

Career
Berle first appeared in the serial The Perils of Pauline. During his career he starred in numerous movies, television programs and others. He was called Uncle Miltie during TV's golden age days. He was known for hosting Texaco Star Theater (1948–55).

In 1949, Berle hosted the first ever telethon.

Berle retired in 2000 because of poor health. His last appearance was in a 2000 episode of Kenan & Kel.

Berle was married to Joyce Mathews from 1941 until they divorced in 1947. They remarried in 1949 only to divorce once again in 1950. Then he married Ruth Cosgrove Rosenthal from 1953 until her death in 1989. Then he married Lorna Adams in 1991. Their marriage would last until his death in 2002. Berle had three children.

Berle died from colon cancer in Los Angeles, California on March 27, 2002 at age 93. He was buried at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery.