Florence Baum was an American actress and dancer who is best known for being the first wife of legendary comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks.
She has appeared in numerous Broadway shows and television shows such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Jackie Gleason Show, and Some Place Please.
She is also the mother of Mel Brooks’ three children: Stephanie, Nikki, and Eddie.
contour
- Full name: Florence Baum
- Date of birth: 1926
- Date of death: 2008
- Age at death: 82
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: New York, USA
- Country: United States
- Occupation: Actor, dancer
- Height: 5’4″ (163 cm)
- Parents: None
- Brothers and sisters: None
- Spouse: Mel Brooks (married 1953-1962)
- Children: 3
- Marital status: Divorced
- Net worth: $3 million
Early life and education
Florence Baum died in 2008 at the age of 82. She was born in New York City in 1926. She grew up in a Jewish family and developed a passion for dance and acting at an early age.
She attended the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan, where she honed her skills and talents. She graduated in 1944 and began her acting career.
Personal life
In the early 1950s, Florence Baum met Mel Brooks, born Melvin Kaminsky.
They fell in love and married in 1953. They had three children: Stephanie, born in 1956; Nikki, born in 1957; and Eddie, born in 1959.
Florence supported Mel’s career as a comedian and writer and often accompanied him to shows and events.
However, their marriage was in trouble. It was reported that Mayer was unfaithful to Florence and had affairs with other women, including Anne Bancroft, who later became his second wife.
Florence and Mel were married for nine years before divorcing in 1962. Florence never remarried and remained single throughout her life.
She maintained a harmonious relationship with Mel and his children and was a loving grandmother to Mel’s two grandchildren.
Profession
Florence Baum began her career as a dancer on Broadway, appearing in the 1949 musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, starring Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell. She also appeared in shows such as The Pajama Game, Ring the Bell, and It Just Happened to Me.
She switched to acting and appeared in a number of television shows, such as the 1952 hit comedy variety show The Jackie Gleason Show and the 1958 game show Somewhere, Please.
She also had a small role in The Producers, directed by her ex-husband Mel Brooks, in 1967. She retired from acting in the 1970s to focus on her family and personal life.
net worth
Florence Baum’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be $3 million.
Her wealth comes from her career as an actress and dancer and from her divorce settlement with Mel Brooks.
die
Florence Baum died in 2008 at the age of 82. Her cause of death was not made public, but it was reported that she had been ill for some time.
She was buried in a private ceremony attended by her family and close friends.
She left behind three children and two grandchildren, and her ex-husband Mel Brooks praised her as a wonderful woman and a great mother.
Social Media
- Instagram account: N/A
- Twitter account: N/A
Filmography
- Producer
- Please place
- The Jackie Gleason Show
