Duprez, Fred
(1864–1938)
Duprez, Fred (6 Sep 1864–27 Oct 1938) American comedian, born Frederick August Duprez (pronounced by him as Du-pree) in Detroit. He did theater work in Brooklyn, after some youthful years as a cabin boy, coal passer, and sailor; and was finally successful on stage as a substitute for a canceled act. By 1907 he was an established touring comic. He appeared in London in 1908; in France (performing in French), and in Germany (performing in German). His first disc was issued in 1908 for the…