Jack Benny

1894- 1974

Comedian

 

 

Jack Benny was born Benjamin Kubelsy on February 14, 1894, in Chicago Illinois. He was a poor student but a good violin player who hated to practice. He left school and for a short time accompanied the Marx Brothers in their act while they were in Chicago. He formed his own vaudeville musical duo. He joined the US Navy during World War I. He soon started doing comedy as well. In 1929 he received a contract from MGM and acted in his first film The Hollywood Revue of 1929.

 

His real breakthrough came from performing on the radio which he did from 1932 to 1955 starring in the Jack Benny Program a weekly show. He did the same show for TV from 1950 to 1965.

 

He was known as one of America's most beloved comedians, Jack Benny was famous for his comedic alter-ego: the stingy guy who shot reproachful looks at his sidekicks while playing the violin and offering perfectly timed pauses and comments