Martha Raye was an American comic actress and singer. She made her Broadway debut in the musical revue Calling All Stars. Raye then went on to have a successful career in both film and theatre. She appeared in the film The Boys from Syracuse in 1940. She also appeared in films such as Billy Rose's Jumbo, Monsieur Verdoux, Pippin, Pufnstuf, and The Phynx. Raye also appeared in a number of stage plays.