Rudy Vallee

Rudy Vallee started his career as a saxophone player and singer and later became a band leader. In the 1920s and early 30s he had a hit radio program, The Fleishmann's Yeast Hour (where he was hated by his cast and crew due to his explosive ego-driven personality). In the early 1930's he was ranked with the likes of Bing Crosby and the tragic Russ Columbo in the Hit Parade.

A huge hit on radio in 1933 with his program, initially known as 'The Fleischmann's Yeast Hour,' Vallee was considered a slave driver by his staff. He was known to instigate fist fights with virtually anyone who got on his nerves. During the run of his show he slugged photographers, threw sheet music in the faces of pianists' heads and if provoked, would sock hecklers in the nose.

While audiences loved him, he was hated by most of his staff. As a very popular star in night clubs and on records, as well as in movies, he helped other singers like Alice Faye - who was for a while his band singer - and Frances Langford to start their careers. In his early movies he often played the romantic lead, but he switched later to stuffy and comic parts.

He also appeared on Broadway. The mid-60's Broadway hit "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" was filmed in 1967 with him in his original Broadway role.

Rudy Vallee is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 28 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes Live a Little, Love a Little (1968), Gentlemen Marry Brunettes (1955), People Are Funny (1946), Hollywood on Parade No. B-9 (1934), The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962), The Mike Douglas Show (1961), The Merv Griffin Show (1962), What's My Line? (1950).

The recorded credits span 1934 to 1987, including 8 movies and 20 TV shows. The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles.

This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.