Trivia

Former professional boxer.

Interestingly, Mr. Demarest appeared in The Jazz Singer (1927) (albeit uncredited) starring Al Jolson and also appeared in The Jolson Story (1946) (and later Jolson Sings Again (1949)) which recounts (among other things) the making of "The Jazz Singer". He appears to be the only performer to have appeared in both films. Actually, Al Jolson was in both films. He played himself in some long shots in "The Jolson Story".

Began his career in vaudeville.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6667 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on August 8, 1979, noon. Upon his arrival at this event, Mr. Demarest greeted the public with a cheerful "Hello folks!". Cast members from TV's My Three Sons (1960) attending this event included: Fred MacMurray, Stanley Livingston, Barry Livingston and Tina Cole. This was a fun Hollywood celebration.

Had a falling-out with actor/singer John Krummel.

A golf enthusiast, he died the same day and year as pro golfer Jimmy Demaret.

Hated to discuss about his boxing career.

Played a character with the name Steve Martin in two movies: The Jolson Story (1946) and Jolson Sings Again (1949).

Co-starred on NBC Radio's "The Eddie Bracken Story" (1945).

Following his death, he was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Plot Sunrise Slope section, Map #01, Lot 3105, Single Ground Interment Space 1. He passed away on December 28, 1983 only three months away from what would have been his 92nd birthday on February 27, 1984.

Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. Pg. 135. New York: Facts on File (1992). ISBN 0816023387.

He was posthumously awarded a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars at 123 South Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, California on April 9, 1998.

His mother, Wilhelmina Lindgren, was born in Sweden, but his great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, Samuel Demarest (1656-1728) migrated from Mannheim, Neckarkreis, Baden, Germany, to New Barbadoes Township, Bergen, New Jersey, British Colonial America, along with his own father, David des Marest (1620-1693), who was born in Beauchamps, Somme, Picardie, France.