George Kirby
Comedian
Comedian, blues singer, and dancer who was one of the first African-American performers to cross over to mainstream audiences. In 1972 he was given his own sketch and variety show, the George Kirby Comedy House.
He first performed in local South Side Chicago clubs in the 1940s.
He is known for his appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dean Martin Show, and The Jackie Gleason Show, where he often did impressions of both black and white celebrities.
He married Rosemary Kirby in 1960, and the two remained married until his death in 1995.
He was a regular performer on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in the 1960s.