Historic Voices: Global History and Culture

(Bonus) Jack Benny Biography

12.13.2021 - By David ArendalePlay

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

(Bonus) Benjamin Kubelsky (February 14, 1894 – December 26, 1974), known professionally as Jack Benny, was an American entertainer, who evolved from a modest success playing violin on the vaudeville circuit to one of the leading entertainers of the twentieth century with a highly popular comedic career in radio, television, and film. He was known for his comic timing and the ability to cause laughter with a pregnant pause or a single expression, such as his signature exasperated "Well!" His radio and television programs, popular from 1932 until his death in 1974, were a major influence on the sitcom genre. Benny often portrayed his character as a miser who obliviously played his violin badly and ridiculously claimed to be 39 years of age, regardless of his actual age.

More episodes from Historic Voices: Global History and Culture