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Jack Benny

What's After the Movie

Jack Benny

Jack Benny, born as Benjamin Kubelsky, was a cherished American entertainer. He rose from beginnings on the vaudeville circuit, as a modestly successful violinist, to become a titan of America's entertainment industry in the 20th Century. He was adored for comedic career in radio, film, and television. Benny was celebrated for his comic timing, capable of inciting laughter with a mere pause or with a single expression, such as his renowned exasperated 'Well!'. His reradio and television programmes, popular from 1932 to his death in 1974, were instrumental in shaping the sitcom genre. Benny often portrayed himself as a stingy character who played his violin poorly and always claimed to be 39 years old. Benny's real-life journey started in Chicago where he was born on February 14, 1894 as Benjamin Kubelsky. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Lithuania and Poland. Benny began taking violin lessons as a six-year-old, and was soon dubbed a child prodigy. Although never academically inclined, by his teenage years, he was performing in dance bands and his high school orchestra. Benny's ultimate dream--to make his mark in show business--began to take form in 1911 when he began playing the violin in vaudeville theaters. His persistence and talent ultimately landed him successful shows, awards and recognition for his contribution to comedy. Even after his retirement from television, Benny continued to shine as a standup comedian until his passing on December 26, 1974.

4 movies

Biography, Career & Filmography

Learn more about Jack Benny, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Jack Benny rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.


Given Name: Benjamin Kubelsky

Born: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Citizenship: American

Birthday: February 14, 1894

Occupations: Actor, Comedian, Vaudevillian, Violinist

Years Active: 1911-1974

Children: 1

Spouses: Mary Livingstone

Career Timeline

Track the complete movie timeline of Jack Benny, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.


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