From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Bert Lahr, born Irving Lahrheim (August 13, 1895 – December 4, 1967), was an American actor, particularly of stage and film and comedian. Lahr is principally known for his role as the Cowardly Lion, as well as his counterpart Kansas farmworker Zeke, in The Wizard of Oz (1939). He was well known for his explosive humor, but also adapted well to dramatic roles and his work in burlesque, vaudeville, and on Broadway.