Jack Benny’s career spanned six decades, yet he perpetually kidded that he was thirty-nine years old. From a modestly fruitful career as a vaudeville performer, Benny became one of the best-known voices of radio comedy beginning in 1932. He was a master of comedic timing.
His variety show television program of the 1950s and 60s grew out of his successful career in radio. Here’s Jack, introducing his TV show:
The roster of guests on his Jack Benny Program reads like a who’s who list of public figures and stars of the day - from Liberace to Billy Graham. Benny and his crew of gifted scriptwriters created must-watch television. His program won a Golden Globe in 1958.
See the Jack Benny Papers at UW’s American Heritage Center to learn more.
For more information, visit the American Heritage Center site.