Cohan, George M.
(1878–1942)> WELL-LOVED BROADWAY STAR · PLAYWRIGHT · SONGWRITER
George M. Cohan Well-loved Broadway star, playwright, and songwriter Providence, Rhode Island, July 3, 1878 [despite his claim to have been “born on the 4th of July”]; New York City, November 5, 1942. He could be described, without exaggeration, as having been “born in a trunk,” since his parents were touring vaudevillians, and he joined their act as a human prop while still a baby. His first speaking role came at the age of nine. His education consisted mainly of lessons learned on the…