Rodney Dangerfield

Dangerfield in 2003, photo by Prphotos

Birth Name: Jacob Cohen

Date of Birth: November 22, 1921

Place of Birth: Deer Park, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: October 5, 2004

Place of Death: Westwood, Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Rodney Dangerfield was an American stand-up comedian, actor, filmmaker, musician, and author.

Rodney was born Jacob Cohen, or possibly Jacob Rodney Cohen. He was the son of Dotty/Dorothy (Teitelbaum) and Phillip/Philip Cohen, who performed in vaudeville under the name Phil Roy. His father was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents. His mother was a Hungarian Jewish immigrant.

Rodney was married to Joan Child, until his death. He had two children with his former wife Joyce Indig.

Rodney’s paternal grandfather was named Jacob Cohen.

Rodney’s paternal grandmother was named Sarah Adelson.

Rodney’s maternal grandfather was named Tony Teitelbaum (the son of Joseph Teitelbaum and Fannie).

Rodney’s maternal grandmother was named Lena Kesler/Kessler.

Sources: Rodney Dangerfield (Jacob Cohen) on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Genealogy of Rodney Dangerfield (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Rodney’s mother on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org