Mo McCackie Statuette
Object numberM2023/067
TitleMo McCackie Statuette
DescriptionStatue of Australian comedic stage character, Mo McCackie. Mo was a stage character created by Roy Rene. Mo was known for a distinctive black and white face make-up with exaggerated eyebrows and facial hair. His character took inspiration from Jewish stereotypes which were common and accepted in comedy at the time.
Born in Adelaide in 1891, Harry van der Sluys (or Sluice) became famous as a vaudevillian and comedian. He first appeared on stage professionally in the pantomime Sinbad the Sailor at the Theatre Royal in 1905 before moving his family to Melbourne to continue his acting aspirations.
After some success, he moved to Sydney around 1910, where he took on the stage name of Roy Rene. He became one of the most well-known performers on the vaudeville. From 1916 he performed in a comedy duo 'Stiffy and Mo' with Nat Phillips. They became renowned around Australia for their 'blue'/bawdy humour. After the duo split in the mid-1920s, Rene established his own theatre revue company, Mo and his Merrymakers. In 1934, he starred in the film 'Strike Me Lucky', the title of which became one of his catchphrases and used in advertising. His phrases became well used in Australian slang including 'You Beaut'.
In the 1940s, Rene began a radio program titled 'McCackie Mansions' to entertain larger audiences. It aired from 1947 and featured Rene as the character Mo McCackie, earned him a huge following. He continued the radio show until his death in November 1954.
His legacy continued with numerous statues as well as the Mo Awards, presented for Excellence in Live Performance.
Born in Adelaide in 1891, Harry van der Sluys (or Sluice) became famous as a vaudevillian and comedian. He first appeared on stage professionally in the pantomime Sinbad the Sailor at the Theatre Royal in 1905 before moving his family to Melbourne to continue his acting aspirations.
After some success, he moved to Sydney around 1910, where he took on the stage name of Roy Rene. He became one of the most well-known performers on the vaudeville. From 1916 he performed in a comedy duo 'Stiffy and Mo' with Nat Phillips. They became renowned around Australia for their 'blue'/bawdy humour. After the duo split in the mid-1920s, Rene established his own theatre revue company, Mo and his Merrymakers. In 1934, he starred in the film 'Strike Me Lucky', the title of which became one of his catchphrases and used in advertising. His phrases became well used in Australian slang including 'You Beaut'.
In the 1940s, Rene began a radio program titled 'McCackie Mansions' to entertain larger audiences. It aired from 1947 and featured Rene as the character Mo McCackie, earned him a huge following. He continued the radio show until his death in November 1954.
His legacy continued with numerous statues as well as the Mo Awards, presented for Excellence in Live Performance.
Production date 1934 - 1934
Object namedecorative art
Materialplaster
Dimensions
- height: 235.00 mm
width: 90.00 mm
Language
- English
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Judy Menczel. This object is donated in memory of my father, Alex Menczel (a man who loved jokes and comedy).