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.

Traveling entertainer

After Gracie died of a heart attack in 1964, Burns immersed himself in work. His company coproduced the television series No Time For Sergeants, based on the hit Broadway play. Simultaneously, he toured the country playing nightclub and theater engagements with such diverse partners as Carol Channing, Dorothy Provine, Jane Russell, Connie Haines, and Berle Davis. Burns also embarked on a series of solo concerts, playing university campuses, New York's Philharmonic Hall and winding up a successful season at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, where he wowed a capacity audience with his show-stopping songs, dances, and jokes.

Related Topics:
Heart attack - 1964 - Broadway - Carol Channing - Dorothy Provine - Jane Russell - Connie Haines - Berle Davis - Philharmonic Hall - Carnegie Hall

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In 1974, Jack Benny, who was managed by Irving Fein at the time, signed to play one of the lead roles in the film version of Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys. But Benny, who was feeling ill, told Fein to let longtime friend Burns fill in for him on a series of nightclub dates to which Benny had committed around the United States. "The Sunshine Boys is going to keep me busy for six months," Benny told Fein, "so why don't you give the work to George?"

Related Topics:
1974 - Jack Benny - The Sunshine Boys

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Burns didn't need the money, yet he gladly accepted the engagements because he enjoyed working and keeping busy. Burns always believed that when you stop working, you shrivel up and die. As he recalled years later:

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:The happiest people I know are the ones that are still working. The saddest are the ones who are retired. Very few performers retire on their own. It's usually because no one wants them. Six years ago Sinatra announced his retirement. He's still working.

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Benny's illness (pancreatic cancer) led to Burns replacing him in the film as well. (Benny died shortly thereafter.) Burns' performance as faded vaudevillian Al Lewis earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and led to a career resurgence. At the time, Burns was the oldest Academy Award winner (Jessica Tandy, when she won for Driving Miss Daisy years later, was two months older).

Related Topics:
Pancreatic cancer - Vaudevillian - Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor - Academy Award - Jessica Tandy - Driving Miss Daisy

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