Could the life of a celebrated entertainer, Al Jolson, be fully understood without examining the women who shared his journey? The relationships, particularly the marriages, of Al Jolson offer a poignant insight into his life, career, and the complexities of a man who captivated millions.
Al Jolson, born Asa Yoelson, remains an iconic figure of the early 20th century, a performer whose charisma and talent transcended the boundaries of vaudeville and early cinema. His journey, however, was not solitary. It was interwoven with the lives of several women, each playing a significant role in shaping his personal narrative and, at times, influencing his professional trajectory. Among these women, Alma Osborne, known professionally as Ethel Delmar, stands out as a pivotal figure, offering a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Jolson's life. Their union, though relatively brief, reveals much about the man behind the makeup and the persona.
Jolson's marriages, punctuated by periods of success and personal turmoil, offer a unique lens through which to view his life. These relationships reveal much about the man, his desires, his vulnerabilities, and the evolving landscape of celebrity in the early 20th century. The names of his wives are etched in the chronicles of his life, Henrietta Keller, Ruby Keeler, and Erle Galbraith. Each woman's story intersects with Jolson's career and personal life, providing texture and depth to the well-known narrative of the entertainer. However, the relationship with Alma Osborne, the stage performer known as Ethel Delmar, warrants a closer examination.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alma Osborne (Stage Name: Ethel Delmar) |
| Known For | Broadway Actress, Second Wife of Al Jolson |
| Relationship with Al Jolson | Married August 1922, Divorced 1928 |
| Marriage Duration | Approximately 6 years |
| Notable Period | Associated with Al Jolson's stage successes, including "Bombo" and "Big Boy." |
| Reasons for Divorce | Rumors of infidelity on Jolson's part and the pressures of his career on their marriage. |
| Reference | Britannica - Al Jolson |
In 1920, as the Roaring Twenties were beginning to take hold, Al Jolson began a relationship with Alma Osborne, a talented Broadway actress who performed under the stage name Ethel Delmar. Their connection quickly blossomed into a significant romance, culminating in marriage in August of 1922. The union represented a convergence of two worlds, the dazzling stage of Jolson and the promising career of Delmar. Delmar was, by all accounts, a "pretty little thing" when Jolson took an interest, and soon, they were a couple. However, their journey together was short-lived. Their marriage lasted for less than four years.
As Jolson's fame soared, Ethel Delmar found herself on the road, experiencing the highs and lows that accompanied her husband's performances. She traveled with Jolson as he toured with shows like "Bombo" and "Big Boy", becoming a silent observer of his fame. The reality of being a wife to a superstar was, at times, isolating. During this time, Delmar found herself "often alone, feeling as though Jolson would trot her out when a wife was needed."
The marriage to Ethel Delmar coincided with a significant period in Jolson's career. He continued to achieve great success on stage, thrilling audiences with shows like "Bombo" and "Big Boy." The success of these performances kept Jolson in the spotlight, and his career often took precedence over everything else. It was a time of triumphs and also a time of strain, as the pressures of his profession seeped into their personal lives. Rumors of infidelity on Jolsons part contributed to the deterioration of the marriage.
The marriage between Jolson and Delmar would eventually dissolve, ending in a divorce in 1928. Their split marked a turning point in Jolson's life. The reasons for their separation were varied, including the challenges of a life in the public eye and the stresses that often accompany a demanding career. The circumstances of their divorce offered a glimpse into the personal struggles of the performer. The divorce of Jolson from Delmar was a turning point, as it marked the end of one chapter in his life and the beginning of another. Not long after, Jolson found love again with Ruby Keeler, a Broadway dancer. As Jolson navigated the highs and lows of his career and personal life, the story of Alma Osborne, known as Ethel Delmar, offered a compelling chapter in the life of Al Jolson, shedding light on the complexities of a man celebrated for his talent and charisma.
Jolson's career stretched from the vaudeville era into the age of talkies. He was a pioneer in many ways, breaking ground as one of the first openly Jewish entertainers to reach widespread fame. His impact on American entertainment is undeniable. However, it wasn't only his performance that captivated audiences. His life, with its relationships and personal challenges, played a significant role in shaping his legacy.
His first marriage to Henrietta Keller, a dancer, ended in 1918, marked by issues he was reportedly struggling with. In 1922, he married Ethel Delmar (Alma Osborne), who remained in his life until their divorce in 1928. The subsequent chapters include his marriage to Ruby Keeler, the famed Broadway dancer, from 1928 to 1940, and finally to Erle Galbraith, his wife from 1945 until his death in 1950.
The name "Alma Osborne" may bring a sense of mystery, as we delve into the personal lives of the stars. Her story, and that of her marriage to Al Jolson, adds to the richness of the Jolson narrative. Through each marriage, through triumphs and adversities, Jolson's story is a testament to the evolution of American entertainment and the intricate lives of the people who shaped its history.
Al Jolson was known by many names and was the world's greatest entertainer. His career was marked by unprecedented success, yet, like any human, his journey was complicated by the intricacies of his relationships. His marriage to Alma Osborne, or Ethel Delmar, was a significant chapter in that story.
The influence of Jolson extended beyond his performance. He inspired many, and many of his songs became extremely popular. The singers he influenced included Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Jerry Lewis, and Bob Dylan. Dylan's comment, "Jolson was somebody whose life I can feel," emphasizes Jolson's impact. The story of Al Jolson would not be complete without a look at the people who shared his life, including Alma Osborne.
In Warren, Ohio, there are traces of information about Alma Osborne. Details can be found through various public record searches, including WhitePages. While this information does not provide specifics about her life, it reminds us of the human aspect of these historical narratives.
The evolution of Al Jolson's life, including his marriages and his career, has become a complex narrative. Each relationship, including that with Alma Osborne, adds to the tapestry of the man, and gives a richer understanding of the entertainer.
The life of Al Jolson, and the legacy of his marriages, allows us to look deeper into the life of this entertainment icon. Jolson's influence on music, theatre, and American culture remains, and the stories of his relationships offer valuable context to his life.
