Who was George Burns? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Nathan Birnbaum

Died At Age: 100

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Gracie Allen, Hannah Siegal - Hannah Siegal (divorced)

father: Louis Birnbaum

mother: Dorah

children: Sandra Jean Burns - Ronald Jon Burns

Born Country: United States

Jewish Actors Jewish Comedians

Died on: March 9, 1996

place of death: Beverly Hills, California, United States

Cause of Death: Cardiac Arrest

Grouping of People: Centenarian

Ancestry: Polish American, Romanian American

U.S. State: New Yorkers

Recommended For You

1

What was George Burns known for?

George Burns was known for his career as a comedian, actor, and singer, with his most famous role being as the straight man in the comedy duo Burns and Allen.
2

How old was George Burns when he passed away?

George Burns passed away at the age of 100 in 1996.
3

What was George Burns' signature accessory?

George Burns was often seen with a cigar, which became his signature accessory both on and off the stage.
4

Did George Burns have any famous catchphrases?

One of George Burns' famous catchphrases was "Say goodnight, Gracie," which he would use to end his comedy routines with his wife and comedic partner, Gracie Allen.
5

What was the title of George Burns' best-selling book?

George Burns' best-selling book was titled "Gracie: A Love Story," which he wrote as a tribute to his late wife and comedic partner, Gracie Allen.

Recommended Lists:

Childhood & Early Life

He was born as one of the twelve children of Louis and Dorah Birnbaum. His parents were Jewish immigrants to the U.S. His father was a cantor at the local synagogue.

His father died of influenza when the boy was just six or seven years of age. In order to support his family he took up odd jobs like shining shoes and selling newspapers.

He was once working at a candy shop with some other boys of a similar age. The boys used to sing harmony in the basement in order to entertain themselves. Often people would stop to hear the boys sing and gave them pennies. This inspired him to enter the show business.

Continue Reading Below

Recommended Lists:

Career

He changed his name from Nathan Birnbaum to George Burns on his entry into the show business. He often used to perform dance routines or comedy which required him to partner with girls. In spite of having performed with several girls he never really clicked with anyone until he met Gracie Allen in 1923.

The two immediately struck a chord with the audience and began a long and successful professional partnership that would soon culminate in marriage. Their comedic routine had Gracie playing the ‘straight man’ while George delivered the punch lines.

The duo soon realized that it was Gracie who elicited more laughter and was more inclined towards comedy. The couple then reversed their roles with George playing the straight man and Gracie providing the punch lines.

Their new act was so hilarious that they became very popular and were sought after performers on the vaudeville. They were also highly consistent and dependable that they soon found a place at the Palace Theatre in New York.

Burns not only performed, but also wrote the early scripts which had the audiences rolling with laughter. He was a brilliant comedy writer though he received no credit for it at that time. He developed the entire concepts and dialogues for the characters played by him and Gracie.

Their fame enabled them to make their entry into radio and films during the 1930s. They acted in supporting roles in the 1932 musical comedy ‘The Big Broadcast’.

The couple also got a big break on the radio with their own show ‘The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show’ which aired in 1932 on the NBC network. The show was highly successful and had more than 40 million listeners during the late 1930s. The show ran till 1950.

The radio show was based on the duo’s classic comedy routines and short sketch comedies. During the show’s initial years, George and Gracie played the roles of young singles which gradually metamorphosed into that of a married couple as the years wore on.

Over the decade of 1930s, they appeared in several Hollywood films such as ‘International House’ (1933), ‘Six of a Kind’ (1934), ‘A Damsel in Distress’ (1937), and ‘College Swing’ (1938).

Continue Reading Below

‘The George Burns & Gracie Allen Show’ made a successful transition to television in 1950. Several changes were made to the show for its television adaptation. The show was highly successful and ran till 1958 when Gracie was forced to retire because of heart problems.

George and Gracie founded a company, McCadden Corporation which filmed television shows and commercials. The company produced shows like ‘The Bob Cummings Show’, ‘The People’s Choice’ and ‘Mister Ed’.

The aging performer’s career saw resurgence when he was asked to play Al Lewis, an elderly vaudevillian actor in the 1975 comedy ‘The Sunshine Boys’. His role was widely acclaimed. He went on to appear in several other movies even after reaching the ripe old age of 80.

Recommended Lists:

American Film & Theater Personalities

Major Works

He was a world-renowned comedian and actor whose career spanned over three fourth of a century. He was highly respected and much loved for being one of the few entertainers who had a successful career in not just vaudeville, but also in radio, television and films.

Awards & Achievements

He won the Academy Award for the Best Supporting Actor for his role as Al Lewis in the movie ‘The Sunshine Boys’ in 1975 when he was 79 years old.

Personal Life & Legacy

He had a brief marriage with his co-performer Hannah Siegal that was conducted for purely professional reasons. The marriage was never consummated and the couple divorced within months of their so-called marriage.

He married Gracie Allen, his professional partner, in 1926. The couple adopted two children. They shared a loving marriage that lasted till Gracie’s death in 1964.

He died in 1996, a few weeks after celebrating his 100th birthday.

Facts About George Burns

George Burns was known for his signature cigar, which he often smoked on stage during his performances.

George Burns was an avid animal lover and often included his pet dog in his performances and television shows.

In his later years, George Burns became one of the oldest active performers in Hollywood, continuing to work well into his 90s.

George Burns was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various charities and causes throughout his life.

George Burns Biography

You wanted to know

What was George Burns known for?

How old was George Burns when he passed away?

What was George Burns' signature accessory?

Did George Burns have any famous catchphrases?

What was the title of George Burns' best-selling book?