Eddie Cantor (1892-1964) The comedian and singer was born Isidore Itzkowitz on New York's Lower East Side. Like Fanny Brice, he was one of Florenz Ziegfeld's legendary stars. It was for impresario Ziegfeld that he perfected his classic shtick of an energetic but mousy little man who eventually triumphs over the bullies of the world. He had a successful radio career and made many records.