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Rudolph Marks (c. 1867 in Odessa, Russian Empire – 1930[1]), born as Max Radkisson and A.K.A. Rudolph Marks Rodkinson.[1] He was a playwright, songwriter, and comedian. He rivaled Sigmund Mogulesko in Yiddish Theater in New York City in the 1890s, but had a less enduring career.
Marks arrived in New York aged 19,[1] having spent four years in England after leaving Russia.[1] In New York, he appeared with the Thalia Theatre[2] and the United Hebrew Opera Company.[3] By 1893, he was described as a "well known and clever comedian",[3] and was one of two contenders for the title of "most popular young actor" in a contest run by a New York newspaper.[2] He wrote several plays in Yiddish, including The Bowery Tramp,[4] "the great comedy success" Chaim in America,[5] and The Shop Girl.[6] By 1893, Marks had begun studying law at University of the city of New York,[2] and was admitted to the bar in 1898.[1] For some years, reports of court cases he appeared in described him as "better known as a writer of Yiddish plays and as an actor of Shakepearean parts in the Bowery theaters than as a lawyer".[7] He died in Manhattan on 6 May 1930.[1]