Story' was the supposed contestant's name. The most generally-accepted version of the 'cigar story' was that it took place on radio in 1947 during the show's first year. Groucho, being a talented comedian, had the ability to read the ad-libs off the cue cards and make them sound fresh and original. It's true that Groucho did not meet the guest contestants before the show's taping. The writers themselves would meet and interview the contestants for the show, then they would write the clever 'Groucho quips' on cue cards and Groucho would read them off before the studio audience. But ironically, most of Groucho's ad-libs were written in advance by his group of comedy writers.

The truth is, Groucho was an undisputed comic genius with a quick, brilliant mind. On the show, Groucho became famous for his ability to ad-lib. After a hugely successful 14-year run, the show finally ended in 1961. In 1950, it made the move to television and became even more popular. Groucho Marx's popular quiz show You Bet Your Life debuted in 1947 on radio. Groucho: 'I love my cigar, too, but I take it out every once in a while.' Groucho: 'You have 14 children? Why do you have so many kids?' It goes, pretty much, like this:Ī woman with 10 (or 12 or 14 or whatever) children makes a guest appearance as a contestant on Groucho Marx's quiz show You Bet Your Life. It is, without question, one of the most oft-quoted anecdotes in the history of comedy. Neatorama presents a guest post from actor, comedian, and voiceover artist Eddie Deezen.

Pic of groucho youbet your life