Loney Haskell, one of the best-beloved figures in the theatrical world, who died on Friday of a cerebral hemorrhage, will be interred in Beth Cemetery today.
An actor who was famous for his beneficence among “down-and-outers”, secretary of the Jewish The atrical Guild of America, Inc., Mr. Haskell won popular success in vaudeville as a monologist and later as a master of ceremonies.
He was born sixty-three years ago with the surname of Levy and actors gave him the nickname of ‘Loney,’ an adaptation of Lorne. He retired from the mercantile business in 1898 and joined the burlesque producers, Hurtig and Seaman. In a few years he was admitted into big-time vaudeville, winning a name as a monologist whose humor and nonsense “bubbled and sparkled like champagne.” He was an intimate friend of Oscar Hammerstein and managed the Victoria for Mr. Hammerstein’s son, William.
Mayor O’Brien sent the following telegram to Loney’s brother:
“I was shocked and grieved to learn of the death of your brother. He will be mourned by countless thousands into whose lives he had brought sunshine during his long career on the American stage. Please accept my deepest sympathy.”
Rabbi Benjamin A. Tintner, of the Temple of the Covenant, will officiate at the services. Mr. Jessel will deliver the eulogy.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
