Thursday, July 4, 2019

Arte Johnson CURIOUS FACTS -- does he really have a twin, and where was he really born?

It's a bit curious.  Supposedly Laugh-In's Arte Johnson (20 Jan 1929-03 Jul 2019) was born in Brent Harbor, Mich and has a twin brother named Coslough "Cos" Johnson who outlived him.
Yet, do a search and a curious fact emerges -- the date and birth certificate are in Chicago, Illinois {Certificate Number: 2350 Illinois, Cook County, Birth Certificates} and there is no mention of a twin by any name ... there is a brother, Howard Leonard Johnson, who was born on 08 Nov 1931 {Certificate Number: 45677}.

Does the twin exist?  Or did Howard pass himself off as a twin brother?  Or maybe, Arte used the twin to "moonlight" as a writer.   In any event, where is COS?  are there photos that are post-Arte's death -- maybe at the funeral? 
Since Arte just died, we will see in a few days ... Arte's family are Russian Jews, so the funeral should be down within three days or so.


 UPDATE 5 JULY 2019 -- 
This appeared as a correction or addition (after 4 July Notes from Shreknangst (49080548))  on FIND-A-GRAVE: "Edith Johnson, nee Goldberg, beloved wife of the late Abraham, loving mother of Arthur “Arte” (Gisela) of California, and Howard “Cos” (Mary Jane) of California; fond aunt and great-aunt of many. Service and interment Wednesday, 11 a.m., at Westlawn Cemetery, 7801 W. Montrose, Norridge. Contributions to the charity of your choice. Info, The Weinstein Brothers Chapel, 312-761-2400.  —Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct 1996, SW_A8 
It would seem the Arte Johnson award-winning "TWIN" mentioned in WIKIPEDIA is really his baby brother.
More inconsistencies are emerging.


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