Marty Feldman was a British actor, comedian and writer who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with his distinctive appearance, quirky humor and memorable roles. He is best known for playing Igor in Mel Brooks’ classic comedy Young Frankenstein, for which he won the first Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also starred in and directed several other films, such as The Last Remake of Beau Geste, Silent Movie and In God We Tru$t. He was a prolific and versatile performer who could make audiences laugh with his witty dialogue, physical comedy and hilarious expressions. But how did Marty Feldman die? What was the cause of his untimely death at the age of 48?
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The Tragic Circumstances of Marty Feldman’s Death
Marty Feldman’s death was caused by a heart attack in a hotel room in Mexico City on December 2, 1982, according to his manager, Michael Maslansky. He was in Mexico filming the comedy adventure Yellowbeard, which also starred Graham Chapman, Peter Boyle, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong and Madeline Kahn. The film was dedicated to his memory.
Feldman had suffered from shellfish food poisoning a few days before his death, which may have contributed to his fatal cardiac arrest. His illness was discovered by his friend and filmmaker Michael Mileham, who had also contracted the same poisoning but survived. Feldman had complained of chest pains and difficulty breathing on the night of his death, but refused to go to the hospital. He died in his sleep, leaving behind his wife Lauretta, whom he had married in 1959.
The Medical Condition That Affected Marty Feldman’s Eyes
Marty Feldman’s death was not related to his eye condition, which was a result of Graves’ disease, a thyroid disorder that causes the eyes to bulge and become misaligned. Feldman had developed Graves’ disease in his early childhood, and underwent several surgeries to correct his vision. However, one of the operations was botched and left him with a permanent squint. He also suffered a car accident and a boating accident that further damaged his eyes.
Feldman never let his eye condition affect his self-esteem or his career. He embraced his unique appearance and used it to his advantage in comedy. He once said: “If I aspired to be Robert Redford, I’d have my eyes straightened and my nose fixed and end up like every other lousy actor, with two lines on Kojak. But this way I’m a novelty.”
The Legacy of Marty Feldman’s Comedy Genius
Marty Feldman’s death was a huge loss for the comedy world, as he was one of the most original and talented comedians of his generation. He had started his career as a writer for BBC radio and TV shows in the late 1950s, working with Barry Took, Ronald Chesney and Ronald Wolfe. He also co-wrote the famous “Four Yorkshiremen sketch” with Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graham Chapman and John Cleese for At Last the 1948 Show, which later became part of Monty Python’s repertoire.
Feldman became a star in his own right with his sketch comedy show Marty, which won him two BAFTA awards in 1969. He also created The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine for ATV in 1971, which featured guest stars like John Junkin, Spike Milligan and David Bowie. He made a successful transition to Hollywood with Young Frankenstein in 1974, which established him as an international comedy icon. He continued to work with Mel Brooks in Silent Movie and High Anxiety, as well as Gene Wilder in The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother and The World’s Greatest Lover.
Marty Feldman’s death did not diminish his popularity or influence. His films are still widely watched and enjoyed by fans of all ages. His style of comedy is still admired and emulated by many comedians today. His life and work are celebrated in books, documentaries and tributes. He is remembered as a comedy legend who made millions laugh with his brilliant mind and unforgettable face.
