Full Name: Benjamin Kubelski
Profession: Comedian
Biography: Jack Benny was one of the most popular American comedians of the 20th century. He was known for his radio show, The Jack Benny Program, which aired for more than 30 years. He was also known for his appearances in films and on television.
Benny began his career in vaudeville and later transitioned to radio. His radio show became one of the most popular programs of the 1930s and 1940s. Benny also appeared in a number of films, including To Be or Not to Be (1942) and The Sunshine Boys (1975).
Benny died of cancer in 1974 and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980.
Born: February 14, 1894
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Aquarius
Died: December 26, 1974 (aged 80)
Cause of Death: Pancreatic cancer
Historical Events
- 1932-03-29 Jack Benny debuts on radio, on Ed Sullivan's New York interview program
- 1932-05-02 Jack Benny's 1st radio show premieres (NBC Blue Network)
- 1936-12-30 Beginning of the "feud" between comedians Fred Allen and Jack Benny on Allen's "Town Hall Tonight" show
- 1937-03-14 Battle of the Century: Fred Allen & Jack Benny meet on radio during their "feud"
- 1946-06-26 Fred Allen's last radio show, his guest is Jack Benny
- 1959-03-06 11th Emmy Awards: Playhouse 90, Jack Benny Show, Raymond Burr win
- 1959-11-21 Entertainer Jack Benny (violin) and US Vice-President Richard Nixon (piano) play their famed duet
- 1961-05-16 13th Emmy Awards: Jack Benny Show, Raymond Burr & Barbara Stanwyck win
Dan Aykroyd
David Letterman
Lucille Ball
Peter Sellers
Ricky Gervais
Rowan Atkinson