Title supplied by cataloger.; Photograph was edited for publication purposes. Original photograph has creases. Jack Benny was born Benjamin Kubelsky on February 14, 1894 in Chicago, Illinois. He worked in vaudeville, radio and television, becoming one of the most popular comedians of his time. Benny served in the Navy during World War I and began entertaining fellow sailors playing the violin, but soon moved into standup comedy. He signed with MGM in 1929 but was let go after a few films. In 1932 he appeared on the Ed Sullivan radio show and parlayed that into a show of his own. From 1932 to 1965 The Jack Benny Program was one of the most popular shows in the country. First on radio and then television, Benny would entertain America with his character's trademark stinginess, pettiness, bad violin playing, vanity and unwillingness to age past 39 years. By all accounts, these traits were the opposite of Benny in real-life. He was an accomplished violin player, a generous boss, and a philanthropist. In 1927 he married Sadie Marks. Using the stage name Mary Livingstone, she worked with Benny on his radio and television shows. They adopted one child. After the end of his television program Benny performed stand-up comedy and appeared in TV shows and specials. He was active almost until his death, of pancreatic cancer, on December 26, 1974. Photograph caption dated February 28, 1958 reads "Producer Mervyn LeRoy, left, Jack Benny who received the television award for the most outstanding comedy show and best TV comedian." LeRoy, on Benny's right, is cut off in the photograph. Benny is holding up his award. The ceremony was held at the Cocoanut Grove in the Ambassador Hotel.
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Image
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1 photographic print :b&w ;26 x 21 cm. Photographic prints
Benny, Jack,--1894-1974 Benny, Jack,--1894-1974--Awards LeRoy, Mervyn,--1900-1987 LeRoy, Mervyn,--1900-1987--Awards Ambassador Hotel Cocoanut Grove (Los Angeles, Calif.) Hollywood Foreign Press Association Comedians--United States Actors--United States Radio personalities--United States Violinists--United States Motion picture producers and directors--United States Golden Globe Awards Awards--California--Los Angeles Hotels--California--Los Angeles Men--California--Los Angeles Los Angeles Evening Herald Express photographs Herald-Examiner Collection photographs
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