Page "Groucho Marx" Paragraph 4

Minnie Marx did not have an entertainment industry career, but had intense ambition for her sons to go on the stage like their uncle.

While pushing her eldest son Leonard ( Chico Marx ) in piano lessons, she found that Julius had a pleasant soprano voice and the ability to remain on key.

Even though Julius's early career goal was to become a doctor, the family's need for income forced Julius out of school at the age of twelve.

By that time, Julius had become a voracious reader, particularly fond of Horatio Alger.

Throughout the rest of his life, Marx would overcome his lack of formal education by becoming very well-read.