It was around this time that he officially changed his name to Jack Benny. Whenever asked, she would describe him as the nicest man she ever had the pleasure of knowing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. [36][37] Benny had quipped, "If it isn't a $30,000 Strad, I'm out $120. Jack Benny's astounding ability to develop an entertainment persona proved a real boon to his career. Hence he adopted a sailor's name Jack and thus the name Jack Benny. [5] Meyer was a saloon owner and later a haberdasher who had emigrated to the United States of America from Poland. Which is apparently rather unusual for comedians. (Photo by Underwood Archives/Getty Images). He likely had no idea how significant this new chapter of his life would ultimately be. A lot of people get burned out doing something for so many years and theyll sit there and say, I dont want to do this anymore, but it seems like he was very happy to do it. "[3]:279. Tags Celebrity Married Celebrity Net Worth Jack Benny Lynn Patsy Lynn One thought on " Peggy Lynn " Reginald VelJohnson By: Rishav Roberta Sparta By: Rishav Zerlina Maxwell Though he leads a double life. Happy Birthday Jack Benny - Just heard Walden Hughs on YesterdayUSA.com interview Jack's daughter Joan Benny & Laura Leff the President of Jack Benny's fan club. In the 1960s Benny was the headlining act at Harrah's Lake Tahoe with performer Harry James, and Vocalist Ray Vasquez.[26]. The show aired from 1950 to 1965 with five years of overlap in the two mediums. At 19, Joan Benny married a hotshot New York stockbroker named Seth Baker. Their adopted daughter, Joan Blumoff, will receive $50,000 and $2,000 a month. His height was 1.72 m tall and weighed 82 Kg. Jack Benny looked proud as a father could be when he walked his daughter down the aisle. Blumofe and Joanna Meiseles, as well as seven grandchildren. It's been over 40 years since Benny passed away from cancer at the age of 80 back in 1974, but his 86 year-old daughter Joan Benny continues to have vivid memories of the man that she "absolutely" adores. Well see you soon with more videos covering some of your favorite Hollywood films, television shows, and stars. He adored his first grandson, Mike. ", "I'll take a gallon. As a gag, Benny made a 1957 appearance on the then-wildly popular $64,000 Question. Joan described Benny as a star who rarely lost his temper and loved meeting fans wherever he went. Discover Jack Benny's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Then you had Eugene McNulty, who played the singer Dennis Day and Bennys wife, Sadie Marks, who played his sarcastic comic foil of a girlfriend, Mary Livingstone. [19], CBS dropped the show in 1964, citing Benny's lack of appeal to the younger demographic the network began courting, and he went to NBC, his original network, in the fall, only to be out-rated by CBS's Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Joan Benny died peacefully at home on June 10th, just seven days before her 87th birthday. Im not sure whether I came in first or second, but I think the show came first. Designed & Developed by Precision Creations, Comedian Jack Benny's Daughter Reveals What Growing up With Him Was Really Like - 'He Loved Being Famous'. He loved being famous. It stayed there for the remainder of its radio run, ending on May 22, 1955. I hadnt heard them since I was a child, but I listened to these old tapes and was laughing my head off. Brenda, the middle girl, lived in Amarillo, far from the action. Betty Sue Lynn was the eldest of Loretta's six children. Join Facts Verse as we take a look back in time at Jack Bennys child, Joan Berrys heartwarming relationship. A search found no evidence of any broadcasts in 1930 (though Tim . I'll see you on television.". Jack Benny Lynn's Daughter Jack and his first wife share two children, one daughter Jeffery Allen Lynn, born on April 24, 1969, and another daughter named Lora Kay. Its not Mommy Dearest and nobodys going to read this. So I didnt do anything about it. Legal Statement. One of her sons, Key Fechser, named after his father, died in 2009 at the age of 55. Mr. Benny's widow, whose stage name was Mary Livingstone, was left $100,000 and an income of $10,000 monthly. Ive worked with every comedian in the business and they are all totally insane, but your dad was the best.'". He said that upon looking at his new bouncing ball of joy he was at first a bit dumbfounded. Once making that enormous leap, The Jack Benny Program continued to air for another 15 years between 1950 and 1965. Loretta was an American singer-songwriter who passed away on October 4, 2022. Jack known for his comic timing and uncanny ability to induce laughter with a single expression or expertly executed pause. Jack Benny with his wife Mary Livingstone and adopted daughter Joan Benny. In the new millennium, Jan has turned her interests [] More, Each year over 1.5 million patients become victims of medical malpractice in the US alone. In the cartoon, Benny and Livingstone agree to spend their anniversary at the Kit-Kat Club, which they discover the hard way is inside the mouth of a live cat. Bad Omen? Joan Benny Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family Joan Benny was born in 1934 as Joan Naomi. His popular radio and television program The Jack Benny Show on the air for more than three decades. She was on the bill with my dad as an opening act and I got to know her. [3]:293294 While in a coma, he was visited by close friends, including George Burns, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Carson, John Rowles and then Governor Ronald Reagan. The story does cover his childhood, it is the stories about his career in radio that dominate the book. ". She was the daughter of Alonzo and Annie . . He might have been one of the most famous people in America. She was on the bill with my dad as an opening act and I got to know her. This was a popular American sitcom that ran over 12 seasons and 380 episodes from 1960 to 1972. In fact, he enjoyed entertaining his loyal followers, whether it be on the radio or television. (Photo by Los Angeles Examiner/USC Libraries/Corbis via Getty Images), Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for June 19, Film industry reacts to death of 'Saving Private Ryan' star Tom Sizemore: 'You're a legend', Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves take bumpy second flight after 'CHAOS' on Lufthansa plane: 'Wish me luck', Kelsey Grammer wont apologize for the 'difference' that Jesus has made in his life, Person roaming in 'Scream' Ghostface costume prompts multiple police calls, Kelsea Ballerini kisses Chase Stokes after criticizing ex amid nasty divorce. Burns passed away in 1996 at age 100. My Jack Benny. Joan published Sunday Nights at Seven following her fathers death in 1974. It was of its time and times have changed. He had previously donated the violins, but had retained them for his own use. Benny was able to attract guests who rarely, if ever, appeared on television. Who Will Replace Mark on 'Live With Kelly' If He Returns to Acting? She was on the bill with my dad as an opening act and I got to know her. Let us know your thoughts about Jack Benny and his daughter Joan in the comments section down below. Throughout her life, with all of its own twists and turns and ups and downs, Joan was always very proud to have her father in her life. Oh, it was a very good one. He adored his first grandson, Mike. Benny himself died in 1989, starting a series of arguments within the family to determine ownership of the casino and other businesses. At the time, my father was a bigger star than Natty we called him Natty because his real name was Nathan Birnbaum but they just connected with each other.. Jack Benny, original name Benjamin Kubelsky, (born February 14, 1894, Chicagodied December 27, 1974, Beverly Hills, California, U.S.), entertainer whose unusual comedic method and expert timing made him a legendary success in U.S. radio and television for more than 30 years. After making his television debut in 1949 on local Los Angeles station KTTV,[15] then a CBS affiliate, the network television version of The Jack Benny Program ran from October 28, 1950, to 1965, all but the last season on CBS. He wasnt your normal father, because he had a No. April 16, 1950 - Jack Gets the House Painted. March made an appearance on Benny's show the same year. It was put away in a closet somewhere and didnt come to light until after my mother died. Betty Sue Lynn is the second of Loretta Lynn's children to predecease her. [43], When the price of a standard first-class U.S. postal stamp was increased to 39 cents in 2006, fans petitioned for a Jack Benny stamp to honor his stage persona's perpetual age. Jack and Zeppo met the family's daughters, Ethel (also known as Babe) and Sadye was only 14 years old at the time, and Jack was 27. story, but it was not love at first sight, and it was outright dislike by the end of the evening. And I traveled with him when he went to different cities, playing concerts. The "Real McCoy's" were from which fictional place? You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! No expense was spared. The miser, the somewhat pompous, somewhat put upon guy -- all the things that he was on that show, he said was a reflection of the population in general. But during his time there, he entertained soldiers with his violin. Jack Bennys daughter Joan died peacefully at home after losing her battle with pancreatic cancer on June 10, 2021, just seven days before turning 87. [3]:17 He then received legal pressure from Ben Bernie, a "patter-and-fiddle" performer, regarding his name, so he adopted the sailor's nickname of Jack. Not long after I had this little heart-to-heart talk with Joanie, one morning she said suddenly out of a clear sky, Daddy, I love you very much. I said, Joanie, you dont love me as much as I love you. And then mind you she wasnt more than seven or eight she, remembering our little talk, answered, Yes I do. Despite a battery of tests, Benny's ailment could not be determined. They lived a fabulous life in Beverly Comedian Jack Benny in 1937. In 1937 comedian Jack Benny bought this house for $250,000. Add water, broth, soup base, carrots and seasonings. See Her Beautiful Bikini Photos, Inside Dr. Phil and Wife Robin McGraw's Sprawling Beverly Hills Home, Headed to the Beach! And Eddie Anderson was talented. They worked together for five years and slowly integrated comedy elements into the show. Benny's eldest daughter, Barbara, had died of a drug overdose in 1983, and the other two didn't seem suitable for the job. [39] He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1988[40] and the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1989. When I was a child, I remember my father and George Burns talking about vaudeville, which I was too young to have seen. Apparently, they arent subscribers to the old adage that too much of a good thing can actually be a bad thing. The actress Joan Benny passed away days before her 87th birthday Joan grew up in fame, with movie magazines running feature stories about her family when she was a child. I could bind the two lives, and it really worked well. Joan, 86, has vivid memories of the man she still absolutely adores. After the ceremony, a reception was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel. "Jack Benny: the fine art of self-disparagement" in Zolotow, This page was last edited on 16 February 2023, at 22:35. Jack Binion turned 80 this year. It occurred to me that I could do a book combining his autobiography with my version of life with my father. So much so that Sadye and three of her friends went Benny died in 1974 at the age of 80 after a long career that spanned vaudeville, radio and television. Her first wedding drew huge press attention, mainly because her father spent some more on it than his radio character. His category of choice was "Violins", but after answering the first question correctly Benny opted out of continuing, leaving the show with just $64; host Hal March gave Benny the prize money out of his own pocket. Mary and I decided to adopt a daughter, wrote Jack. And I traveled with him when he went to different cities, playing concerts. Joanie was about two weeks old the first time I saw her. Other stories. When asked in his column "Movie Answer Man", film critic Roger Ebert first replied, "It looks something like him. The book consisted of large parts of her fathers unpublished autobiography combined with her own memories and thoughts about growing up with a famous father in the heyday of Hollywood where stars like Jimmy Stewart, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant, Ronald Coleman, Joan Crawford and George Burns were frequent visitors. Throughout her career, which lasted over six decades, Loretta released several gold albums. She might not have technically been his own, but he loved her every bit as much as if she were. He and my dad were joined at the hip. DEEP PURPLES IAN GILLAN TALKS SMOKE ON THE WATER, 'WHOOSH!' Describing her crooked legs, tiny little arms and wrinkled face, Jack apparently at first bewildered by the fact that she was the child that Mary had chosen. The "I Love Lucy" star characters have which surname? Blessings to all. The comedian even left a majority of his estate to her when he died. Jack with wife Mary and daughter Joan in 1945. Jack had not remembered their earlier meeting and instantly fell for her. When Salisbury left the act, Benny found a new pianist, Lyman Woods, and renamed the act "From Grand Opera to Ragtime". Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. People identified with that and they also knew in spite of his character, he only played being cheap. While youre at it, tap the bell to turn on notifications. In fact, the radio show alluded frequently to its television counterparts. Closer Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. There are so many stories I could go on with of what Natty did to my father to make him laugh. March 29, 2021, 4:49 am, Way back in 1980, Dolly Parton sat down with Chet Flippo of Rolling Stone magazine for what she thought was just going to be a typical interview. Even if they were away performing or he was performing overseas, Jack always sent Mary a rose. Thats how I kind of combined his story and my story. However, many audience members didnt realize that. Though Benny was incredibly successful in the entertainment world, Joan said that heremained pretty unaffected and unchanged by fame. At first dubious about the viability of radio, Benny grew eager to break into the new medium. Market data provided by Factset. Popular, by Theres no official word, but several mentions have been made of Joans passing on Facebook. Garcia has since retired and passed the diner on to his son and daughter-in-law, who've opened two more Jack & Benny's locations in the last five years . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. He went on to explain that over the next few years Mary was the disciplinarian while he was the softie, and that there was a point when Joan was seven that she proclaimed that she hated her mother. In the same manner that Mary Livingstone fell head-over-heels in love with her new daughter, so did Benny. Benny described the way that he first laid eyes on his new daughter humorously yet rather endearingly in his 1990 autobiography Sunday Nights at Seven: The Jack Benny Story. Throughout Joans upbringing, Livingstone was the firm and resolute disciplinarian while Benny was, as he put it, a softie. Rock stars are infamous for their insatiable appetites for all things in excess. For nearly 25 years, Jack & Benny's has served as a University District staple. When Benny moved to television, audiences learned that his verbal talent was matched by his controlled repertory of dead-pan facial expressions and gesture. Especially during these tremendous milestones in their careers. Jack Benny (born Benjamin Kubelsky, February 14, 1894 - December 26, 1974) was an American entertainer who evolved from a modest success playing violin on the vaudeville circuit to one of the leading entertainers of the twentieth century with a highly popular comedic career in radio, television, and film. In the late 1960s, Benny did a series of commercials for Texaco Sky Chief gasoline, using his "stingy" television persona, always telling the attendant, played by Dennis Day, after being implored, "Mr. Benny, won't you please fill up? 80-year-old Jack Benny died of cancer The man, noted for his feminine deeds, died of pancreatic cancer on December 26, 1974, in Beverly Hills, California. Today is the 128th birthday of the TV and radio pioneer Jack Benny. January 27, 2023, 7:28 pm, by He later signed a five-year deal with MGM and also received his own radio show, titled The Jack Benny Program, in 1932. She was 64. Do you remember the name Abbe Lane? Most people are really not aware of the entertainment of that time, when vaudeville was the form of entertainment. She died on June 10, 2021 in Beverly Hills, California, USA. Facts Verse [12], Benny's long radio career began on April 6, 1932, when the NBC Commercial Program Department auditioned him for the N. W. Ayer & Son agency and their client Canada Dry, after which Bertha Brainard, head of the division, said, "We think Mr. Benny is excellent for radio and, while the audition was unassisted as far as orchestra was concerned, we believe he would make a great bet for an air program." A frequent guest was the Canadian-born singer-violinist Gisele Mackenzie. It was there where he created the signature character audiences across the country fell for. Benny made one of his final television appearances on January 23, 1974, as a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,[27] the day before his final television special aired. Yes, six children. As always, thanks for watching. Joan Benny was born on 17 June 1934 in New York City, New York, USA. She was long and skinny and wrinkled all over her face and tiny arms. As a matter of fact, in the cemetery it says, Here lies a gentle man, and thats the best way to describe him over everything else. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. He loved being famous. A perfect example of what went on between them is that they would call each other on the telephone and telephones not being what they are today, in the middle of the conversation the phone went dead. His second marriage was to his lover named, Barbara. Con Jack Benny, Betty Bronson, George E. Stone, Tom Dugan. They adored each other and it all started way back in the days of vaudeville. Before her rise to stardom, Lynn was a young mother. The son and daughter of an abusive shopkeeper turn to a medicine show salesman for help. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. It was rumored that Benny requested that, in lieu of monetary compensation, he receive a copy of the finished film. Ive worked with every comedian in the business and they are all totally insane, but your dad was the best.'. That was just the kind of off-kilter, tongue-and-cheek humor that he was known for. But the way they talked about it, I felt like I was really deprived of something. As in other TV comedy shows, a laugh track was added to "sweeten" the soundtrack, as when the studio audience missed some close-up comedy because of cameras or microphones obstructing their view. But according to her, he never left her wondering if he loved her. White lilac floral arrangements were even shipped in from Holland. Comedian Jack Benny was so in love with his wife and his fellow performer Mary Livingstone that since they got married he sent her a red rose a day. One of Oliver and Loretta Lynn's six children is Jack Benny Lynn. Benny was so impressed with MacKenzie's talents that he served as co-executive producer and guest starred on her 19571958 NBC variety show, The Gisele MacKenzie Show. Despite dealing with some turbulent marital issues tied to Jacks fame, through good communication. Thats really nice to hear. While Jacks show might have been his main priority throughout much of his life. "He was a truly nice man, which is apparently rather unusual for comedians," Joan told Closer Weekly. He rarely lost his temper though sometimes he did and he was happy go lucky. People identified with that and they also knew in spite of his character, he only played being cheap. The gleeful sound of the audiences amusement was immediately intoxicating to young Benny. "Mary and I decided. Whenever they got the opportunity, they would go to baseball games, travel to various cities and countries, and attend concerts and performances together. From a money pit 100 feet deep to Shakespearean manuscripts, the legendary finds on Oak Island have kept it in the news for centuries. She was an actress, known for The Joey Bishop Show (1961), The Jack Benny Program (1950) and Password (1961). It was among the most highly rated programs during its run. Bring mixture to a boil; cover and simmer until meat is tender. January 28, 2023, 4:29 pm, by They adored each other and it all started way back in the days of vaudeville. Other bequests went to the Motion Picture Country Home and Hospital and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Join Facts Verse as we take a look back in time at Jack Bennys child, Joan Berrys heartwarming relationship. He continued to make occasional specials into the 1970s, the last one airing in January 1974. Shortly after the war, Benny developed a one-man act, "Ben K. Benny: Fiddle Funology". Jack Benny, best known for his titular radio and television comedy series The Jack Benny Show, was actually born Benjamin Kubelsky on the 14th of February, 1894, in the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois. He also surrounded himself with a great ensemble, including Eddie Anderson as Rochester Van Jones, Jacks valet and chauffeur; Don Wilson as the shows announcer; Gene McNulty as singer Dennis Day (they found a way to work a song into most episodes), Mary Livingstone as Jacks girlfriend, Phil Harris as himself, a bandleader with an eye out for the ladies; and Mel Blanc (the voice of the Looney Tunes characters for decades) in a variety of roles, including the sound of Jacks car, a Maxwell. Jack Benny's Daughter to Wed Jan. 7, 1954 The New York Times Archives See the article in its original context from January 7, 1954, Page 27 Buy Reprints View on timesmachine TimesMachine is an. She was one of the most memorable contestants on Password in the, early 60s. Pasty, Peggy, Cissy, and Betty Lynn are the daughters of the diva, Loretta Lynn. Whats truly impressive is that the radio show ran from 1932 to 1955, alternating between NBC and CBS stations; while also making the leap to television where it was just as big a success, airing from 1950 to 1965 (with five years of overlap in the two mediums). The family resided in many different apartments and rented houses during Benny's childhood. There was a time when I believe he went to a country in the Caribbean where they didnt know him and didnt speak English. Then, he glances toward the cat lying on a throw rug in a corner and sees his and Livingstone's cartoon alter egos scampering out of the cat's mouth. January 19, 2022, 6:17 pm, by People identified with that and they also knew in spite of his character, he only played being cheap. January 27, 2023, 6:25 pm, Trending American comedian Jack Benny and his wife, Mary Livingstone, sit in the audience at an air show with Irish actor George Brent and . [3]:11 He was joined on the circuit by Ned Miller, a young composer and singer.[11]. George told me, If your dad thought that was funny, that was good enough for me, because I thought your father was great. He was known for his comic timing and the ability to cause laughter with a long pause or a single expression, such as his signature exasperated summation "Well! The last of these is probably the most memorable: Robert McKimson engaged Benny and his actual cast (Mary Livingstone, Eddie Rochester Anderson, and Don Wilson) to do the voices for the mouse versions of their characters, with Mel Blanc the usual Warner Brothers cartoon voicemeister reprising his old vocal turn as the always-aging Maxwell, always a phat-phat-bang! In 1911, he began playing the violin in local vaudeville theaters for $7.50 a week (about $220 in 2020 dollars). Where is Jack Benny Lynn's Wife? Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. ray mitchell raymitchellusa@hotmail.com chicago, il USA - February 14, 2010 8:19 PM There was a time when, I believe, he went to a country in the Caribbean where they didnt know him and didnt speak English. He continued with sponsor General Tire on Fridays through the end of September. See Chef Giada De Laurentiis Beautiful Bikini Photos, Emma Hemming Shares Sweet Video of Bruce Willis Prior to FTD Diagnosis, Chris ODowd Reflects on Career, New Comedy and Filming Bridesmaids. While serving in the military, Benny took to entertaining his fellow soldiers with his violin. He loved signing autographs, she recalled. 1 priority for him which was the show. Two years later, Jack signed a lucrative five-year contract with MGM studios. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. So Ill do it again. And he did. Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox! NAME: Jack Benny. The Jack Benny Program. (Photo by William Grimes/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images). She said, You know, your father was so unusual. Cut meat into cubes and brown in a Dutch oven with butter or oil. Who was Jack Benny's daughter, who appeared on the show? Jack Benny's Daughter Shares Secrets Behind his Career Jack Benny, iconic violinist, comedian and actor, is loved and celebrated by many. Benny portrayed himself as a miser who obliviously played his violin badly and claimed perpetually to be 39 years of age. Benny signed a five-year contract with MGM, where his first role was in The Hollywood Revue of 1929. That boy had my heart. Defiantly, Joan insisted once again that she loved him more, seeing as how she loved him her entire life while it took him until the second day to love her. What more could you ask for? The U.S. The comedian pair Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone had no biological children. At nearly 15,000 square feet the home boasts 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Benny made a cameo appearance in It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. For half a decade, the program even aired in both formats. What are some of your fondest memories of Jack Benny and his show? Benny also made several appearances on The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast in his final 18 months, roasting Ronald Reagan, Johnny Carson, Bob Hope and Lucille Ball, in addition to himself being roasted in February 1974. In the 1920s, Bennys life took an unexpected yet welcomed turn when his comedy career began to take off. She was bawling so loud and she looked very mad I couldnt believe my eyes. After Jack Benny's death, his daughter Joan found his unpublished autobiography hidden away. Eddie Anderson served as Bennys chauffeur and valet. In 1953, both Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart made their television debuts on Benny's program.[16][17]. She also appeared as herself in several of the radio and television episodes. While Robert Urich was famous for doing battle with tough foes on the screen. [34], In trying to explain his successful life, Benny summed it up by stating: "Everything good that happened to me happened by accident. Recalling the experience in 1956, Benny said Ed Sullivan had invited him to guest on his program (1932), and "the agency for Canada Dry ginger ale heard me and offered me a job."[13]. When I think about him, I actually think about him being on the radio. In fairness, Benny himself shared Fred Allen's ambivalence about television, though not quite to Allen's extent. With his note-perfect timing, Jack became a star on radio and television working alongside his wife, Mary Livingstone (real name: Sadie Marks),. I never knew exactly where I was going. Facts Verse [29], In October 1974, Benny cancelled a performance in Dallas after suffering a dizzy spell, coupled with numbness in his arms. From the fall of 1954 to 1960, it appeared every other week, and from 1960 to 1965 it was seen weekly. "[22] He wrote in a later column, "I think you're right."[23]. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Prior to making the official announcement to retire, the BRADY co-founder explained on his SiriusXM podcast Let's Go! "[38], In 1960, Benny was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with three stars. January 27, 2023, 7:23 pm, by He said in an interview that he had all the foibles that normal people have and they identified with him, she said. September 14, 2021, 5:02 am, by Joan, who was adopted by Benny and his wife, radio comedienne and actress Mary Livingstone, always knew her father was different from other dads. During one performance, Benny told a joke, which resulted in the audience roaring with laughter. Benny's television program relied more on guest stars and less on his regulars than his radio program. She also discussed her fathers friendship with comedian George Burns, which she said was very real. While she may be gone, she had plenty of lovely things to say about her father before her passing. "I'm not sure whether I came in first or second, but I think the show came first," she said. Mr. Benny's widow, whose stage name was Mary Livingstone, was left $100,000 and an income of $10,000 monthly. At the time, my father was a bigger star than Natty we called him Natty, because his real name was Nathan Birnbaum but they just connected with each other. Market data provided by Factset. Learn how your comment data is processed.