American comic actor. Fittingly born a Leo in New York City, he is best remembered today for his role as the Cowardly Lion (and the farmworker Zeke) in the classic 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz, but known during his life for a career in burlesque, vaudeville, and Broadway. He later remarked, “After ‘The Wizard of Oz’ I was typecast as a lion, and there aren’t all that many parts for lions.” Spectacular and extremely rare and desirable vintage glossy 8 x 10 MGM Wizard of Oz promotional close-up photo of Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, signed and inscribed vertically in fountain pen “To ‘Roberta’ Bert Lahr.” Just a few scattered faint surface marks and a couple trivial top edge dings, otherwise very fine condition. Signed photos of Lahr as the Cowardly Lion are virtually nonexistent! Most of the handful of known examples were signed in ballpoint in the 1960s and sent out after Lahr’s passing. This one, signed earlier and in fountain pen, is the true definition of vintage, setting it a cut above the rest. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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