They lived here

JIMMY DURANTE
Known by most people for an oversized nose, jazz-esque musical talent, and the comedic butchering of words, Jimmy Durante stole the hearts of radio, music, television, and even film fans for over 60 years. However many are not aware that Durante was a long time resident of Bayside, Queens.
Born in 1893 in Brooklyn, Durante dropped out of school by eighth grade to hone his musical skills by working in Manhattan. Soon after, Durante joined the Original New Orleans Jazz Band (he was the only member not from New Orleans) and began to make a name for himself.
By the mid 1920's, Durante had become a vaudeville star. It was about this time that he married Jeanne Olsen, and the couple moved to Bayside. They resided near 161st St. and 32nd Ave., just two blocks east of Bowne Park. The couple remained in Bayside until moving to Calabasas, CA, just a few years before Jeanne's death in 1943. This is also where Durante got the famous line &#8220Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are,” butchering the word ‘Calabasas' in his trademark fashion.
Despite his wife's death, Durante continued to work and please fans. In 1943 Durante, who had gained much renown with a nationally broadcast solo radio show, teamed up with Garry Moore and the two established great comedic chemistry and enjoyed much success until Moore's departure in 1947.
Durante left his radio show in 1948, and it was only a short time later that he got into television, while still keeping his foot in the door with radio, appearing as a guest star on various shows. It was also in the 1950's that Durante and Sonny King got together, a tandem that would last until Durante's death.
Durante continued his television and film appearances until the early 1970's, and recorded his last album, September Song, in 1963. In 1980 Durante was unable to overcome pneumonia, dying at the age of 86.