I'm old enough to remember Jack Benny's TV show in the early '60's. He's my favorite comedian of *any* generation--not only for his routines, but as a human being. This speech took place on my 18th birthday, and shortly after this I became a student at UCLA.
What a kind, generous man, and pioneering comedy genius! His voice is calming (therapeuticly so), while being very funny at the same time. He had a great peace about him. We're blessed that his works were preserved on film and now digitally available. RIP, Sir.
I remember hearing about Jack Benny when I was a kid in Scotland in the 80s. This is the first time I'm heard him. There are some great talks on this page. Thankyou
It's worth noting, I think, that 50 years ago, Jack Benny, who, apparently, got his start in comedy during WWI (that is, over 100 years ago now) referenced in this talk a comedian, Bob Newhart, who, at 93, is still with us. That's quite a link we have still today with American comedy history.
I don't understand. A dozen people react to this? Where are the other billions of fans? Jack Benny was just about the most likeable Hollywood artist there ever was.
@@julianhermanubis6800 I’m willing to undertake the experiment, but first I need to know the official age limits of a “Gen Z person”. Even if no Gen Z’s had heard of Benny at all, however, I don’t see that that would establish Benny’s obscurity among the general public unless the majority of the general public are members of Gen Z, and I doubt this is so. Pretty much everybody that I know has heard of Jack Benny. That probably wouldn’t apply to a comedian such as Lord Buckley or even Mort Sahl (who died just recently), but Jack Benny? Don’t be silly.
I'm from the UK. I'm 55 and only heard about him quite recently. I was aware of the other great American greats and ocassionslly would hear about Jack Benny but I never knew he existed. What a lovely comic. He does however look like Kevin Spacey !
My parents were lucky enough to have known Benny and to see him perform. I was at least in the same room with him, though too young to know that. Per his statement, I do think he is the greatest comedian of all time(s). ...This program is a wonderful example of his personality, and you can hear the reverence in the room.
Nice that you met and saw the great man. I came upon him quite late. Yet I must admit I've grown to appreciate alot of his work. The 'passport' sketch is a favourite. Also his appearances with Groucho and Bob Hope are classic. These guys had a High ol time. Sad that he passed away about a year after this appearance. True legend.
Few artists conquered vaudeville, radio, film and television. Everyone on his show was funny, and his comic persona worked differently with all of them.
Jack Benny died in 1974. He "seemed" like a jerk, but that was his persona. He was a very gentle person. He remained married to his wife Mary Livingston all his life and was a great father to his adoptive daughter Joan. (I know because I read his biography, written by his five writers.)
Thats very interesting that your grandpa was with them both in the Navy. George Burns was drafted into the army and failed his physical because of his eyesight. He didn't serve. So your grandfather didnt serve with both of them.
Someone already mentioned it below, but I'll repeat it just to show that even in 2023 at least one person understands Jack Benny's reference to big bandleader Kay Kaiser - and his "Kollege of Musical Knowledge."
If I had been the guy who had walked into the bathroom when Jack was trying to retrieve his wallet, I would've had to have been carried out of there on a stretcher. Hilarious!
I'm old enough to remember Jack Benny's TV show in the early '60's. He's my favorite comedian of *any* generation--not only for his routines, but as a human being. This speech took place on my 18th birthday, and shortly after this I became a student at UCLA.
What a kind, generous man, and pioneering comedy genius!
His voice is calming (therapeuticly so), while being very funny at the same time. He had a great peace about him.
We're blessed that his works were preserved on film and now digitally available. RIP, Sir.
Jack Benny made a career out of just talking to the audience. Pure genius.
I remember hearing about Jack Benny when I was a kid in Scotland in the 80s.
This is the first time I'm heard him.
There are some great talks on this page.
Thankyou
Always be fond of Jack, a gentle great talent; he would never survive in today's Hollywood; he would leave it!
It's worth noting, I think, that 50 years ago, Jack Benny, who, apparently, got his start in comedy during WWI (that is, over 100 years ago now) referenced in this talk a comedian, Bob Newhart, who, at 93, is still with us. That's quite a link we have still today with American comedy history.
He sounds very sincere, warm and genuine. He speaks in a natural, unselfconscious and unaffected manner which is beautiful to hear.
I don't understand. A dozen people react to this? Where are the other billions of fans? Jack Benny was just about the most likeable Hollywood artist there ever was.
Time marches on. People forget. Thank goodness for you tube.👍
It's a shame such a brilliant comedian's so little known by the general public today.
He is?
@@jeffryphillipsburns Go ask some random Gen Z person who Jack Benny was and see if they have a response.
@@julianhermanubis6800 I’m willing to undertake the experiment, but first I need to know the official age limits of a “Gen Z person”. Even if no Gen Z’s had heard of Benny at all, however, I don’t see that that would establish Benny’s obscurity among the general public unless the majority of the general public are members of Gen Z, and I doubt this is so. Pretty much everybody that I know has heard of Jack Benny. That probably wouldn’t apply to a comedian such as Lord Buckley or even Mort Sahl (who died just recently), but Jack Benny? Don’t be silly.
I'm from the UK. I'm 55 and only heard about him quite recently. I was aware of the other great American greats and ocassionslly would hear about Jack Benny but I never knew he existed. What a lovely comic. He does however look like Kevin Spacey !
My parents were lucky enough to have known Benny and to see him perform. I was at least in the same room with him, though too young to know that. Per his statement, I do think he is the greatest comedian of all time(s). ...This program is a wonderful example of his personality, and you can hear the reverence in the room.
Nice that you met and saw the great man. I came upon him quite late. Yet I must admit I've grown to appreciate alot of his work. The 'passport' sketch is a favourite. Also his appearances with Groucho and Bob Hope are classic. These guys had a High ol time. Sad that he passed away about a year after this appearance. True legend.
@Oona Craig Shhh, stop trolling...
I was related to Rochester Van Jones. So there!!!
Awesome informative Video experience Y'alls God Bless Ya 🙌🙏 Jack Benny will love my comments
Few artists conquered vaudeville, radio, film and television. Everyone on his show was funny, and his comic persona worked differently with all of them.
We will always "find the right gift" when we reconnect with our relatable and timeless comedic talent.🎯🤣🎙📻📺☀️ Stay safe everyone!
Jack seems like a nice guy, very humble. I never laughed harder than I did at his tv and radio shows.
Jack Benny died in 1974. He "seemed" like a jerk, but that was his persona. He was a very gentle person. He remained married to his wife Mary Livingston all his life and was a great father to his adoptive daughter Joan. (I know because I read his biography, written by his five writers.)
Highest tribute to a Comedian: JB is hilarious when he is just explaining things.
My Grandpa was in Navy Band WW1 with Benny and Burns.
Thats very interesting that your grandpa was with them both in the Navy. George Burns was drafted into the army and failed his physical because of his eyesight. He didn't serve. So your grandfather didnt serve with both of them.
The whole archive is a gem. Thanks, Bruins.
The Lone Comic TM
Defender of Creativity and Entertainment SM
Love everything about Jack.
Someone already mentioned it below, but I'll repeat it just to show that even in 2023 at least one person understands Jack Benny's reference to big bandleader Kay Kaiser - and his "Kollege of Musical Knowledge."
This is a great inspirational talk for any aspiring show business comedian.
I have to try and find the roast of Jack Benny that was on TV. It was the best. Maybe it’s out there on RUclips.
He's a genuinely entertaining fellow.
Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge. Radio and early TV.
If I had been the guy who had walked into the bathroom when Jack was trying to retrieve his wallet, I would've had to have been carried out of there on a stretcher. Hilarious!
Thank you for uploading!
Jack Benny was a Comedy God.
Glad to hear people still recall the Benny-Allen feud. Hilarious!
Just think.....If alive today....Jack Benny would probably have been banned from this University.
Why???
He slept with the entire usc football team one weekend.
@@timtreetwats How much did he charge them?
@@degsbabe 😂😂😂 That's what probably Jack Benny would have responded.
Yes....the best. Jack was 23 when we entered WW1.
Love him.
man were has this been
Benny died Dec. 26, 1974.
I was eleven years old and I remember how crushed I was to hear that he had died.
What an egg Jeff layed to open the program.
another joker who make lot of money
Wiseguy! Jack made his fortune in Confederate dollars.
@@muide7 really some how i doubt that
Yeah, he was a yankee, but he made up for it.