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Pigmeat Markham (Dewey Markham) was born on 18 April, 1904 in Durham, North Carolina, U.S., is an American entertainer (1904–1981). Discover Pigmeat Markham's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is he in this year and how he spends money? Also learn how he earned most of networth at the age of 77 years old?

Popular As Dewey Markham
Occupation Comedian actor singer dancer
Age 77 years old
Zodiac Sign Aries
Born 18 April, 1904
Birthday 18 April
Birthplace Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
Date of death 1981
Died Place The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Nationality United States

We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 18 April. He is a member of famous Comedian with the age 77 years old group.

Pigmeat Markham Height, Weight & Measurements

At 77 years old, Pigmeat Markham height not available right now. We will update Pigmeat Markham's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.

Physical Status
Height Not Available
Weight Not Available
Body Measurements Not Available
Eye Color Not Available
Hair Color Not Available

Who Is Pigmeat Markham's Wife?

His wife is Bernice Markham (m. ?–1981)

Family
Parents Not Available
Wife Bernice Markham (m. ?–1981)
Sibling Not Available
Children Not Available

Pigmeat Markham Net Worth

His net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Pigmeat Markham worth at the age of 77 years old? Pigmeat Markham’s income source is mostly from being a successful Comedian. He is from United States. We have estimated Pigmeat Markham's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.

Net Worth in 2024 $1 Million - $5 Million
Salary in 2024 Under Review
Net Worth in 2023 Pending
Salary in 2023 Under Review
House Not Available
Cars Not Available
Source of Income Comedian

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Timeline

1904

Dewey "Pigmeat" Markham (April 18, 1904 – December 13, 1981) was an African American entertainer.

Though best known as a comedian, Markham was also a singer, dancer, and actor.

His nickname came from a stage routine, in which he declared himself to be "Sweet Poppa Pigmeat".

He was sometimes credited in films as Pigmeat "Alamo" Markham.

1920

For a time he was a member of Bessie Smith's Traveling Revue in the 1920s.

1930

Later, he claimed he originated the Truckin' dance which became nationally popular at the start of the 1930s.

1940

In the 1940s he started making film appearances.

1946

In 1946 he recorded "Open the Door, Richard".

Markham was a familiar act at New York's famed Apollo Theater where he wore blackface makeup and huge painted white lips, despite complaints the vaudeville tradition was degrading.

The book Showtime at the Apollo suggests, "He probably played the Apollo more often than any other performer."

1949

Due to the years of racial segregation in the entertainment world, he was not widely known by white audiences, and had almost exclusively performed on the "Chitlin' Circuit" of vaudeville, theatres, and night clubs and appeared in several race films, including William D. Alexander's 1949 revue film Burlesque in Harlem, which documented the Chitlin' Circuit.

1950

Starting in the 1950s Pigmeat Markham began appearing on television, making multiple appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.

His boisterous, indecorous "heyeah (here) come da judge" schtick, which made a mockery of formal courtroom etiquette, became his signature routine.

Markham would sit at an elevated judge's bench (often in a black graduation cap-and-gown, to look more impressive), and deal with a series of comic miscreants.

He would often deliver his "judgments", as well as express frustration with the accused, by leaning over the bench and smacking the accused with an inflated bladder-balloon.

1960

He had hit comedy recordings in the 1960s on Chess Records, and saw his routine's entry line become a catchphrase on the Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In NBC television show, as did his phrase "Look that up in your Funk & Wagnalls."

1968

He is also known for his 1968 single "Here Comes the Judge", which is often considered to be the earliest hip hop record.

Markham was born in Durham, North Carolina.

His family was the most prominent on their street, which came to be called (and later officially named) Markham Street in the Hayti District.

Markham began his career in traveling music and burlesque shows.

Markham's most famous routine was "discovered" by the general public only after Sammy Davis Jr. had performed it as a guest on the March 25, 1968 episode of Laugh-In.

The phenomenal ripple effect of Davis's version of "the judge" led to Markham's opportunity to perform his signature Judge character himself as a Laugh-In regular during the 1968–69 television season.

Archie Campbell later adapted Markham's routine, performing as "Justus O'Peace," on the country version of Laugh-In, Hee Haw, which borrowed heavily from the minstrel show tradition.

Thanks to his Heyeah come da judge routine, which originally was accompanied by music with a funky beat, Pigmeat Markham is regarded as a forerunner of rap.

His song "Here Comes the Judge" peaked at number 19 on the Billboard and other charts in 1968.

He published an autobiography, Here Come the Judge!, in the wake of his Laugh-In success.

The song "Here Comes the Judge" was prominently sampled by Big Audio Dynamite II in the song "Rush".

Markham died of a stroke at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx at the age of 77.

He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City.

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