Bert Lahr, born
Irving Lahrheim (August 13, 1895 – December 4, 1967), was an American iconic actor, particularly of stage and film and
comedian. Lahr is principally known for his role as the
Cowardly Lion, as well as his counterpart Kansas farmworker Zeke, in
The Wizard of Oz (1939). He was well known for his explosive humor, but also adapted well to dramatic roles and his work in
burlesque,
vaudeville, and on
Broadway.