Herbert Manfred Marx, later known as Zeppo, was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. He was the youngest son of Samuel "Frenchie" Marx and Minnie Schoenberg Marx. His birth completed the core lineup of the Marx Brothers, a comedic dynasty that would later dominate vaudeville and Hollywood.

Zeppo, alongside his brothers, entered the world of vaudeville under the guidance of their mother, Minnie. While his initial roles were smaller, he gradually developed his on-stage persona, often acting as the straight man foil to his brothers' antics. These early years were crucial in shaping the Marx Brothers' unique comedic style and building a loyal following.

The Marx Brothers transitioned to Broadway, achieving significant success in productions like 'I'll Say She Is' and 'The Cocoanuts'. Zeppo continued his role as the debonair, romantic lead. His ability to blend seamlessly with the zany chaos created by his brothers helped solidify their Broadway stardom and paved the way for their move to Hollywood.

Zeppo appeared in the Marx Brothers' first five Hollywood films: 'The Cocoanuts,' 'Animal Crackers,' 'Monkey Business,' 'Horse Feathers,' and 'Duck Soup.' He played the straight man, often singing and performing romantic scenes, providing a contrasting element to the wild comedy of his brothers and enabling certain plot devices. His presence was essential to the formula that made them famous during this early period.

After 'Duck Soup,' Zeppo decided to leave the Marx Brothers act. While his role was important, he felt overshadowed by his brothers and sought to pursue other interests. This decision marked a significant shift in the group's dynamic, leading to a revised comedic formula in their later films.

Following his departure from the act, Zeppo embarked on a new career as an engineer and inventor. He founded the Marman Products Company, which initially produced a clamping device that became widely used by the military during World War II, particularly for securing cargo on aircraft. His company became highly successful, demonstrating his entrepreneurial skills and technical aptitude.

Zeppo's Marman Products Company thrived during World War II, as the military heavily relied on its clamping technology. The company's success contributed significantly to the war effort and solidified Zeppo's reputation as a successful businessman and inventor.

In his later years, Zeppo continued to pursue his inventive interests. He developed a watch that monitored the wearer's pulse and alerted them to potential health issues, demonstrating his continued ingenuity. He largely stayed out of the spotlight, focusing on his business and personal life.

Zeppo Marx passed away from lung cancer in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 78. While often remembered as the least flamboyant of the Marx Brothers, his contributions to their early success and his later achievements as an engineer and inventor cemented his place as a multifaceted and accomplished individual.