El Brendel
Actor
About El Brendel
El Brendel was a Swedish-American comedian and actor who specialized in dialect comedy, particularly using a mock Swedish accent with his trademark 'Yump-yump!' catchphrase. Born Elmer Goodfellow Brenden in Philadelphia in 1890, he began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to silent films in the mid-1920s. His breakthrough came with roles in films like 'You Never Know Women' (1926) and the Academy Award-winning 'Wings' (1927). Brendel successfully made the transition to sound films, where his verbal comedy style flourished, leading to starring roles in several comedies throughout the 1930s. He often played characters named 'Oley' or 'Oscar' who were naive but good-natured Swedish immigrants. His popularity waned by the early 1940s, though he continued appearing in smaller roles through the 1950s. Brendel passed away in Hollywood in 1964, leaving behind a legacy as one of cinema's early dialect comedians.
The Craft
On Screen
Specialized in dialect comedy using a mock Swedish accent with exaggerated mannerisms and his trademark 'Yump-yump!' catchphrase. His comedy relied on playing naive, good-natured Swedish immigrant characters who often found themselves in comical situations due to their misunderstanding of American customs and language. In silent films, he used physical comedy and expressive facial gestures to convey humor, while in sound films, his verbal comedy and malapropisms became central to his performances.
Milestones
- Breakthrough role in 'You Never Know Women' (1926)
- Appeared in 'Wings' (1927), first Best Picture winner
- Successfully transitioned from silent to sound films
- Starred in his own film series in the 1930s
- Popular vaudeville performer before film career
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (Motion Pictures)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
El Brendel was part of a generation of dialect comedians who were popular in early American cinema, though his style of ethnic humor has become controversial in modern times. During his peak popularity, he represented a certain type of American immigrant experience, albeit in stereotypical form. His successful transition from silent to sound films demonstrated how verbal comedy could enhance rather than replace physical humor. Brendel's work reflected America's melting pot culture of the 1920s and 1930s, when ethnic humor was a staple of popular entertainment.
Lasting Legacy
El Brendel's legacy lies in his contribution to early American comedy cinema and his role in the transition from silent to sound films. While his specific style of dialect comedy has not aged well due to changing social attitudes toward ethnic stereotypes, he was a significant figure in his time. His appearance in 'Wings,' the first Academy Award winner for Best Picture, ensures his place in film history. Brendel represents an important chapter in the evolution of American comedy, from vaudeville through the golden age of Hollywood.
Who They Inspired
Brendel influenced subsequent generations of character actors and comedians who specialized in dialect or ethnic comedy, though his specific approach became less common as social attitudes evolved. His technique of combining physical comedy with verbal humor and catchphrases became a template for later comedy performers. The success of his transition to sound films demonstrated the importance of verbal comedy skills in the new medium, influencing how other silent film comedians adapted their performances.
Off Screen
El Brendel was married to Fritzi Brendel, who was also his frequent comedy partner in vaudeville and early films. The couple performed together extensively before his solo film career took off. Despite his on-screen persona as a Swedish immigrant, Brendel was actually American-born and learned his Swedish dialect act through careful study and practice. He was known in Hollywood as a reliable professional who never missed a call and was well-liked by his co-workers and directors.
Education
Limited formal education, primarily trained in vaudeville and theater performance
Family
- Fritzi Brendel (1920s-1940s)
Did You Know?
- His catchphrase 'Yump-yump!' became widely recognized during his peak popularity
- Despite playing Swedish characters, he was actually American-born with no Swedish ancestry
- Began his career as a newspaper boy in Philadelphia
- His Swedish dialect was completely self-taught through observation
- Appeared in over 80 films during his career
- His wife Fritzi often performed with him in vaudeville
- Was one of the few silent comedians to successfully transition to sound films
- His real surname was Brenden, which he shortened to Brendel for show business
- Served in World War I before his entertainment career took off
- His popularity declined sharply after World War II as ethnic comedy fell out of favor
In Their Own Words
Yump-yump! That's what I say!
Vell, I'll be a monkey's uncle!
Don't you know nothin'?
Oh, yump-yump, dis is terrible!
For sure and certain, you betcha!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was El Brendel?
El Brendel was a Swedish-American comedian and actor known for his mock Swedish dialect comedy and trademark 'Yump-yump!' catchphrase. He was popular in silent and early sound films of the 1920s and 1930s, often playing naive Swedish immigrant characters.
What films is El Brendel best known for?
El Brendel is best known for 'Wings' (1927), which won the first Academy Award for Best Picture, and 'You Never Know Women' (1926). He also starred in several comedies in the 1930s including 'The Big Noise' and 'Hello, Sweetheart'.
When was El Brendel born and when did he die?
El Brendel was born on March 25, 1890, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and died on April 9, 1964, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 74.
What awards did El Brendel win?
While El Brendel didn't receive major acting awards, he does have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to motion pictures. His most significant recognition was appearing in 'Wings,' the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
What was El Brendel's acting style?
El Brendel specialized in dialect comedy using a mock Swedish accent with exaggerated mannerisms and his trademark catchphrase 'Yump-yump!' He played naive, good-natured Swedish immigrant characters and successfully combined physical comedy with verbal humor, making a smooth transition from silent to sound films.
Learn More
Films
2 films
