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Jack Benny papers 1894-1993

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Benny, Jack, 1894-1974
Title
Jack Benny papers 1894-1993   ( inclusive)
Quantity
120.14 cubic ft. (135 boxes)
Collection Number
08922
Summary
The papers of Jack Benny, a vaudeville, radio, and television comedian from the 1920s-1970s.
Repository
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu
Access Restrictions
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Languages
English
Sponsor
The creation of the EAD-version of this finding aid has been made possible through a grant from the National Historic Publications and Records Commission.
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Historical Note

Jack Benny (1894-1974) was an American comedian, vaudeville, and radio, television and film actor. Born Benjamin Kubelsky in Waukegan, Illinois, Benny first honed his talents as a comedian on the vaudeville stage, then found that his style was uniquely adapted to the new medium of radio, where he became a national celebrity with his Jack Benny Show (1943-1958). His wife, Mary Livingstone, often starred on the Jack Benny Show. Benny took his show to television and continued to appear in his own show, in specials, and in guest appearances until his death in 1974.

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Content Description

The Jack Benny papers cover all aspects of the popular entertainer's personal and professional life and business affairs. There are photographs, personal memoirs, early programs, advertisements and reviews from his beginnings in vaudeville, scripts, contracts and correspondence from his radio shows, and film footage from his career in television. The papers include sheet music, clippings, correspondence and financial records, as well as condolences and memorials from the time of his death.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Preferred Citation

Preferred Citation

Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Alternative Forms Available

Existence and Location of Copies

Digital reproductions of select portions of this collection are available at: http://digitalcollections.uwyo.edu:8180/luna/servlet/uwydbuwy~85~85.

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Administrative Information

Related Materials

Related Materials

Additional papers of Jack Benny can be found at the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections.

Acquisition Information

Acquisition Information

This material was received from Joan Blumofe (the daughter of Jack Benny) in February 1985.

Processing Note

Processing Information

The collection was processed by Emily Christopherson in March 2011

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Container List

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

Personal Names

Form or Genre Terms

Titles within the Collection

  • Jack Benny program (Radio program)
  • Jack Benny program (Television program)

Processed by Emily Christopherson
2011

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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