EHSA News

Spotlight on an English High Legend: Jerry Colonna, Class of 1921

As English High School proudly celebrated its centennial in 1921, one of its graduating seniors was a young Boston-born talent who would go on to become one of America’s most recognizable comedic voices: Jerry Colonna.

Born in Boston in 1904, Jerry attended English High during a momentous era in the school’s history. After graduating in 1921, he began building a musical career that would soon take him far beyond the city he called home. A gifted trombonist, he performed with some of the most prominent orchestras of the 1930s, including those of Fred Allen and Spike Jones, before ultimately joining Bob Hope’s orchestra and comedy troupe—a partnership that would define his career.

Jerry’s move to Hollywood opened the door to an impressive list of film credits. He appeared alongside Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour in several classic “Road” pictures, including The Road to Rio and The Road to Hong Kong. With his unforgettable “deadpan screech” and his unrestrained comedic style, Jerry became a cherished figure in American entertainment.

During World War II, Jerry Colonna’s talent and generosity truly shined. Touring Europe with the Bob Hope troupe, he entertained thousands of U.S. servicemembers, lifting morale during some of the darkest moments of the war. His booming voice, eccentric expressions, and signature humor became a beloved part of the wartime USO circuit.

In the 1950s, Jerry continued to appear in Bob Hope’s holiday specials, remaining a familiar presence in American homes. Later in his career, he lent his distinctive voice to several Walt Disney productions, most notably as the March Hare in Alice in Wonderland. But many fans believe his finest work was his powerful and spirited narration of Disney’s animated “Casey at the Bat,” a performance that brought new life and nuance to the famous poem.

In 1930, Jerry married Florence Purcell, beginning a marriage that would endure for 56 years, until his passing in 1986. Their partnership was marked by devotion, stability, and the same warmth Jerry shared with audiences worldwide.

From Boston to Hollywood, from orchestras to USO stages, Jerry Colonna embodied creativity, patriotism, and humor. His legacy is a proud part of English High’s long history, and we honor him today as a man of talent, service, and achievement—a true EHS trailblazer.

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