Robert Benchley

Robert Charles Benchley (September 15, 1889 in Worcester, Massachusetts – November 21, 1945) was an American humorist, newspaper columnist, film actor, and drama editor.

Related Topics:
September 15 - 1889 - Worcester, Massachusetts - November 21 - 1945 - American - Humorist - Newspaper - Film - Actor

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His essays were published in collections including Of All Things, Benchley Beside Himself, Inside Benchley, and Chips Off the Old Benchley. His books were illustrated by Gluyas Williams, whose spare, knowing line drawings added to Benchley's success.

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Benchley's humor was based on everyday life, news oddities, and absurd, almost surreal essays such as his "Uncle Edith" series. At Harvard, he was a leading contributor to the Harvard Lampoon. With Dorothy Parker and Robert E. Sherwood, his colleagues at the original Life magazine, Benchley formed the Algonquin Round Table. He was an early and regular contributor to the New Yorker Magazine. His style influenced other humorists such as S. J. Perelman and James Thurber.

Related Topics:
Harvard - Harvard Lampoon - Dorothy Parker - Robert E. Sherwood - Algonquin Round Table - New Yorker Magazine - S. J. Perelman - James Thurber

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