Jim really does his homework. Jack Benny was born on February 14, but in 1894.
By the way, I was privileged to see Jack Benny in one of his final shows in Las Vegas only a few months before he passed away. He had lost none of his comic timing.
Some years later, I ran into a woman who had been one of his neighbors in Beverly Hills. She and her late husband had often travelled with Jack and his wife. She told me that he was a very generous man, who often made a point of tipping extra generously, in part, to dispel the image he had created in his act.
Concerning the debate about Skeezix’ birthday -
I found the strip for February 9, 1924 at http://www.ilovecomixarchive.com/
Walt received a package for Skeezix from Madame Octave. In panel 3 of that strip he reads a note from her which says, “Dear little boy, my fondest wishes for your complete happiness on your third birthday, February 9th, 1924.”
I am sure Stevreo has it right on. A number of years back, during a business trip to London, a friend related a story of an appearance Jack Benny made at the Palladium. Benny came out on stage and – as was his usual way – just stood there with folded arms for several minutes. For the most part the audience went wild. After a while, as the crowd quieted down, one less knowing person in the balcony shouted out: “For God’s sake, say something!” According to my friend, this not only broke up the audience, but Mr. Benny, himself as well.
mrbribery over 13 years ago
Did you say it on the radio?
Stevero over 13 years ago
Jim really does his homework. Jack Benny was born on February 14, but in 1894. By the way, I was privileged to see Jack Benny in one of his final shows in Las Vegas only a few months before he passed away. He had lost none of his comic timing. Some years later, I ran into a woman who had been one of his neighbors in Beverly Hills. She and her late husband had often travelled with Jack and his wife. She told me that he was a very generous man, who often made a point of tipping extra generously, in part, to dispel the image he had created in his act.
davidf42 over 13 years ago
Concerning the debate about Skeezix’ birthday - I found the strip for February 9, 1924 at http://www.ilovecomixarchive.com/
Walt received a package for Skeezix from Madame Octave. In panel 3 of that strip he reads a note from her which says, “Dear little boy, my fondest wishes for your complete happiness on your third birthday, February 9th, 1924.”
axe-grinder over 13 years ago
That’s the smoking gun, davidf42! That information was apparently lost to even subsequent creators.
Today’s strip is a little jewel.
Herb Thiel Premium Member over 13 years ago
@davidf42 thanks for the link to a really cool site, too!
OldManMountain over 13 years ago
Well!!
436rge over 13 years ago
Volume 5 of Walt and Skeezix will be coming soon in June.
pschearer Premium Member over 13 years ago
Looks pretty good for a nonagenarian.
Dirty Dragon over 13 years ago
Now cut that out!
post399 over 13 years ago
I am sure Stevreo has it right on. A number of years back, during a business trip to London, a friend related a story of an appearance Jack Benny made at the Palladium. Benny came out on stage and – as was his usual way – just stood there with folded arms for several minutes. For the most part the audience went wild. After a while, as the crowd quieted down, one less knowing person in the balcony shouted out: “For God’s sake, say something!” According to my friend, this not only broke up the audience, but Mr. Benny, himself as well.
EarlWash over 13 years ago
Born in 1924 did you say? Then this dispells the myth he is 90. ONLY 87 !
marvee over 13 years ago
REad again, EarlWash. He was 3 years old in 1924. He is 90 now. His birthday was yesterday.
marvee over 13 years ago
Is this the oldest strip that is still running?
davidf42 over 13 years ago
EarlWash - No. He wasn’t born in 1924, he celebrated his 3rd birthday in 1924.
Marvee - No. Gasoline Alley started in 1918. Katzenjammer Kids started in 1897, making it the oldest running comic strip.
http://www.toonopedia.com/gasalley.htm
http://www.toonopedia.com/katzen.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline_Alley
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katzenjammer_Kids
shel4 over 13 years ago
Thanks for the tip, 436rge. Seems like I’ve been waiting for vol.5 for a long time. I hope they keep them coming!