The Marx Brothers The comedians Groucho (1890-1977), Harpo (1888-1964), Chico (1887-1961), and Zeppo (1901-1979) were born in New York City as Julius Henry, Adolph, Leonard, and Herbert Marx, respectively. Masters of anarchic, corrosive wit, they began in vaudeville, then became world-famous through their Hollywood films. The act broke up in 1949, with Groucho continuing in films, then finding new fans as host of the popular television quiz show, YOU BET YOUR LIFE.