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Jack Benny

Actor

Jack Benny

Born February 14, 1894 in Chicago, Illinois, United StatesDied December 26, 197442 films

Jack Benny (February 14, 1894 – December 26, 1974) was an American comedian, vaudevillian, and actor for radio, television, and film. Widely recognized as one of the leading American entertainers of the 20th century, Benny played the role of the comic penny-pinching miser, insisting on remaining 39 years old on stage despite his actual age, and often playing the violin badly.

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Benny was known for his comic timing and his ability to get laughs with either a pregnant pause or a single expression, such as his signature exasperated "Well!" His radio and television programs, tremendously popular from the 1930s to the 1960s, were a foundational influence on the situation comedy genre. Dean Martin, on the celebrity roast for Johnny Carson in November 1973, introduced Benny as "the Satchel Paige of the world of comedy."

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The best way into Jack Benny's work
To Be or Not to Be posterFirst watchTo Be or Not to Be19427.8as Joseph TuraDuring the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.View film

Essential films

Ranked by acclaim and reach
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World poster7.0It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World1963Rock-a-Bye Baby poster6.9Rock-a-Bye Baby1958Gypsy poster6.4Gypsy1962The Honey Pot poster6.5The Honey Pot1967

Filmography

42 films as actor
  1. 1974The Perry Como Christmas ShowSanta Claus (uncredited)
  2. 1972The ManJack Benny
  3. 1970Swing Out, Sweet LandMan Who Finds Silver Dollar
  4. 1967A Guide for the Married ManTechnical Adviser
  5. 1967The Honey PotViolinist Outside Restaurant (uncredited)
  6. 1965The Jack Benny HourJack Benny / Rosano
  7. 1963It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad WorldMan in Car in Desert (uncredited)
  8. 1962GypsyJack Benny (uncredited)
  9. 1960Jack Benny Christmas ShowJack Benny
  10. 1960The Slowest Gun in the WestChicken Finsterwald
  11. 1960Who Was That Lady?Mr. Cosgrove (uncredited)
  12. 1959The Mouse That Jack BuiltJack (voice)
  13. 1958Rock-a-Bye BabyCarlos, the matador (uncredited)
  14. 1957Jack Benny Christmas Shopping ShowJack Benny
  15. 1957Beau JamesJack Benny
  16. 1952Somebody Loves MeJack Benny
  17. 1949The Great LoverJack Benny (uncredited)
  18. 1946Without ReservationsJack Benny (uncredited)
  19. 1945The Horn Blows at MidnightAthanael
  20. 1945It's in the Bag!Jack Benny
  21. 1943The Meanest Man in the WorldRichard Clarke
  22. 1942George Washington Slept HereBill Fuller
  23. 1942To Be or Not to BeJoseph Tura
  24. 1941Charley's AuntBabbs Babberley
  25. 1940Love Thy NeighborJack Benny
  26. 1940Buck Benny Rides AgainJack Benny
  27. 1939Man About TownBob Temple
  28. 1938Artists and Models AbroadBuck Boswell
  29. 1937Artists & ModelsMac Brewster
  30. 1936College HolidayJ. Davis Bowster
  31. 1936The Big Broadcast of 1937Jack Carson
  32. 1935It's in the AirCalvin Churchill
  33. 1935Broadway Melody of 1936Bert Keeler
  34. 1934Transatlantic Merry-Go-RoundChad Denby
  35. 1931Taxi TangleMan in taxi
  36. 1931A Broadway RomeoJack
  37. 1930The Medicine ManDr. John H. Harvey
  38. 1930Children of PleasureRadio Performer Jack (uncredited)
  39. 1930Lord Byron of BroadwayVoice on Radio
  40. 1930The RounderMr. Bartlett
  41. 1930Chasing RainbowsEddie Rock
  42. 1928Bright Moments