Henny Youngman
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Born Name:
Henry Youngman
Born Date: March 16, 1907
Born Place: London, England, UK
Died Date: February 24, 1998
Died Place: New York City, New York
Occupations: Comedian, violinist
Brief Biography: Henny Youngman widely recognized as the "King of the One-Liners". He is best remembered for his rapid-fire delivery of short, punchy jokes and his signature line, "Take my wife... please".
Early Life and Career:
Early Career: Before his comedy career, Youngman worked in a print shop, where he wrote "comedy cards" containing one-line gags.
Transition to Comedy: He began his show business career as a musician, leading a band called the "Swanee Syncopaters," and started telling jokes when a comedian failed to show up for a performance.
Big Break: His comedic talent was noticed by Milton Berle, and he broke through in 1937 on the Kate Smith radio show.
Comedy Style and "Take My Wife...":
One-Liners: Youngman was known for delivering dozens of short jokes in a 15–20 minute, fast-paced set.
Trademark Prop: He often performed while holding a violin and bow, occasionally playing a brief interlude of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".
Signature Line: The famous "Take my wife... please" line originated from a miscommunication when he asked a stagehand to escort his wife to a seat at a radio show, with the request interpreted as a joke.
Television, Film, and Later Years:
Television: He was a frequent guest on variety shows, including a long-running stint on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In in the 1960s.
Film: He made cameo appearances in several films, including Goodfellas (1990) and History of the World, Part I (1981).
"Dial-A-Joke": In 1974, he was featured on the New York Telephone Company's "Dial-A-Joke" service, receiving over three million calls in one month.
Autobiography: He released his autobiography in 1991 titled Take My Life, Please!.
Born Date: March 16, 1907
Born Place: London, England, UK
Died Date: February 24, 1998
Died Place: New York City, New York
Occupations: Comedian, violinist
Brief Biography: Henny Youngman widely recognized as the "King of the One-Liners". He is best remembered for his rapid-fire delivery of short, punchy jokes and his signature line, "Take my wife... please".
Early Life and Career:
Early Career: Before his comedy career, Youngman worked in a print shop, where he wrote "comedy cards" containing one-line gags.
Transition to Comedy: He began his show business career as a musician, leading a band called the "Swanee Syncopaters," and started telling jokes when a comedian failed to show up for a performance.
Big Break: His comedic talent was noticed by Milton Berle, and he broke through in 1937 on the Kate Smith radio show.
Comedy Style and "Take My Wife...":
One-Liners: Youngman was known for delivering dozens of short jokes in a 15–20 minute, fast-paced set.
Trademark Prop: He often performed while holding a violin and bow, occasionally playing a brief interlude of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".
Signature Line: The famous "Take my wife... please" line originated from a miscommunication when he asked a stagehand to escort his wife to a seat at a radio show, with the request interpreted as a joke.
Television, Film, and Later Years:
Television: He was a frequent guest on variety shows, including a long-running stint on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In in the 1960s.
Film: He made cameo appearances in several films, including Goodfellas (1990) and History of the World, Part I (1981).
"Dial-A-Joke": In 1974, he was featured on the New York Telephone Company's "Dial-A-Joke" service, receiving over three million calls in one month.
Autobiography: He released his autobiography in 1991 titled Take My Life, Please!.