Jack Benny

JACK BENNY d1974. American comedian, vaudevillian, radio, television & film actor and violinist. Recognized as a leading American entertainer of the 20th century, he portrayed his character as a miser, playing his violin badly. In character, he would claim to be 39 years of age, regardless of his actual age. He was known for his immaculate comic-timing and the ability to create laughter with a pregnant pause or a single expression, such as his signature exasperated "Well ....!!" His radio and television programs (popular from the 1930-1970s) were a major influence on the sitcom genre. He died on December 26th 1974 aged 80 in California of pancreatic cancer.