The iconic Groucho Marx of the Marx Brothers was not only a multifaceted comedian but a regular on one of the longest-running game shows in TV history, What's My Line? The original show hit the air in black and white in 1950 and ran through 1967. What's My Line? syndicated through 1975 and featured a celebrity panel with class and wit. Its original host was veteran TV newsman Charles Daly.

In an episode of What's My Line? from 1959, which according to a YouTube author, is the funniest episode ever produced of the longtime show, Groucho Marx was a panelist with Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, and Bennett Cerf.

Groucho Marx, born Julius Henry Marx (1890-1977), was a comic, radio, vaudeville, TV & film actor, writer, and producer. He was part of the slapstick comedy group the Marx Brothers, primarily with his brothers nicknamed Chico and Harpo. His other brothers, Gummo and Zeppo, also performed with the group but enjoyed less prominent careers. A sixth brother Mannie died in infancy. 

Marx's Jewish parents of German and French ancestry, Sam and Minnie, emigrated to New York City in 1884. His mother, Minnie, was the ultimate stage mother who pushed her sons to perform. She acted as their manager--changing her last name to Palmer so casting would not realize she was related to the boys, quite the strategic business move. 

Groucho Marx's hook was his unique persona. He had bushy eyebrows and a standout black mustache, along with a quirky yet highly intelligent personality. You would never see him without his trademark cigar. Groucho's uniqueness led him to great success and was a catalyst for him to be cast on What's My Line? 

Arlene Francis (1907-2001) was an actress, radio, TV host, and game show host. Francis appeared on all episodes of What's My Line?

Dorothy Kilgallen (1913-1965) was a well-known columnist who produced the Voice of Broadway for the Hearst Corporation. She also appeared on What's My Line? for its entire run.

Panelist Bennett Cerf (1898-1971) was a writer, publisher, and co-founder of Random House. 

The chemistry between the panelists was a major factor in the show's success. And it didn't hurt to have mystery guests like the luminous Claudette Colbert. 

To get a sense of Groucho Marx's brilliance, take a look at some of his unforgettable quotes. My favorite one is "I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member." Those words have caused me to reflect on more than one occasion. 

Watching the old program was a treat! Two features stood out: how elegantly everyone dressed and how cheeky irreverence was a mainstay quality of Marx.

The era when What's My Line? came out (the "normative 50s") was markedly different. Other game shows from that time, like To Tell the Truth also featured ensemble celebrity casting.  I'd like to see more game shows return to an ensemble cast format because of their pure entertainment value.