born Benjamin Kubelsky
February 14, 1894 - December 26, 1974
Known for -
Violinist, Vaudeville - "modest success"
"...one of the leading entertainers of the 20th Century..."
Comedic career in radio, television, and film
Comedic timing leading to contagious reaction -
i.e.: Long pause, Signature expression "Well!"
i.e.: Perpetually 39 years old
Influence on the sitcom genre
Jack Benny's career in radio and television maintained popularity from 1932 to his passing in 1974.
Point of intrigue - Jack was known for being a poor violinist in order to get a humorous response. In reality, he was considered a child prodigy.
Radio - 1932 to 1955 ... Television - 1950 to 1965
Television Honor - Emmy Award for Best Comedy Show
Cast Members -
Mary Livingstone (Benny's real life wife)
Phil Harris/Band Leader
Dennis Day*
*In character, Dennis Day had a nearly young boy voice. His deeper voice when singing was his actual vocal tone. He was of Irish decent - hence the themes to many of his songs such as "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling."
Don Wilson/Announcer
Eddie Anderson - on the show, "Rochester Van Jones" or "Rochester" as Benny's valet...First black man to have a recurring role on a national radio program
"Yankee Doodle Dandy" & "Love in Bloom" were theme songs to The Jack Benny Program.
When fans tuned in to the radio, imagination to actor scripts and settings was vivid, creative, and genuinely funny. Live audiences fed on delivery and interaction among the actors to test the actors staying in character while roaring with laughter.
I am two generations behind Jack Benny, his family, and his fellow cast members but I am considered an old soul in that I interact better with those older than me rather than my peers. I tend to appreciate historic comedy and select contemporary comedy.
Historic comedy did not have to try to generate a response. Quick phrases became timeless humor such as the iconic lines, "Your money or your life" and Benny's delivery, "I'm thinking it over!"
When a guest on television talk shows, Jack would rest his head in his hand and this found the audience cracking up.
From humor on the radio to humor on screen, Jack Benny proved to be the king of comedy.
Honors -
Hollywood Walk of Fame...3 Stars (1960)*
*2 Stars for motion pictures & television on Hollywood Boulevard
*1 Star for radio on Vine Street
Television Hall of Fame (1988)
National Radio Hall of Fame (1989)
Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame
Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois
Awarded the Order of Lincoln (Illinois's highest honor, 1972)
Jack Benny Middle School in Waukegan, IL (hometown)
"Home of the 39rs"
British comedian, Benny Hill, changed his birth name to Benny in Jack's honor (Hill's birthname was Alfred Hawthorne Hill)
Parov Stelar, a staple to the Set List theme, is a musical genius to blend entirely separate genres into one that makes sense and fun to listen to.
Jack Benny dabbled in music, mainly as a violinist and selecting themes to his program. On a historic level, being a feature on Set List makes sense.
What makes the most sense is one take away - he was a musical prodigy and comedic prodigy.
No comments:
Post a Comment