George Burns

George Burns was the stage name of Nathan Birnbaum (January 20, 1896–March 9, 1996). He was a legendary Jewish American vaudeville comedian who went on to work in movies, radio, and early television. He became well-known for his longevity despite an affinity for alcohol and cigars, and for his miraculous career comeback at 79 years of age, arguably becoming more popular and well-known in his 80s and 90s than at any other point in his career.

Radio series

• The Robert Burns Panatella Show 1932–1933; CBS

:In their debut series, George and Gracie shared the bill with Guy Lombardo and his orchestra. The pair launched themselves into national stardom with their first major publicity stunt, Gracie's ongoing search for her missing brother.

Related Topics:
Guy Lombardo - Orchestra - Publicity stunt

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• The White Owl Program 1933–1934; CBS
• The Adventures of Gracie 1934–1935; CBS
• The Campbell's Tomato Juice Program 1935–1937; CBS
• The Grape Nuts Program 1937–1938; NBC
• The Chesterfield Program 1938–1939; CBS
• The Hinds Honey and Almond Cream Program 1939–1940; CBS

:This series featured another wildly successful publicity stunt which had Gracie running for President of the United States.

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• The Hormel Program 1940–1941; NBC

:Advertised a brand new product called Spam; this show featured musical numbers by jazz great Artie Shaw.

Related Topics:
Spam - Jazz - Artie Shaw

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• The Swan Soap Show 1941–1945; NBC, CBS

:This series featured a radical format change, in that George and Gracie played themselves as a married couple for the first time, and the show became a full-fledged domestic situation comedy. This was George's response to a marked drop in ratings under the old "Flirtation Act" format.

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• Maxwell House Coffee Time 1945–1949; NBC
• The Amm-i-Dent Toothpaste Show 1949–1950; CBS