Larry Wilde

Larry Wilde (born Herman Wildman 6 February 1928) is an American actor, comedian, motivational speaker, university instructor and publisher. He is best known as the author of 53 published books of humor. Larry Wilde, born Herman Wildman, in Jersey City, New Jersey, was the fourth child of Jewish parents Gertrude and Selig Wildman. His siblings were Milton, Benjamin and Miriam. He chose Larry Wilde as a professional name when he began a career in show business.

Wilde attended Lincoln High School where he was active in numerous extracurricular activities, including sports editor of the school paper, the Drama Club, president of the Student Body and the swimming team where he became the Jersey City 100-yard Breaststroke Champion.

He was in the Second Marine Division from 1946 to 1948. While stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he wrote, produced, directed and performed in camp stage shows doing comedy routines. Promoted to corporal, he became the first official Marine Corps "non-commissioned comedian".

Wilde graduated from the University of Miami in Florida where he worked his way through school performing at Miami Beach nightclubs and hotels.