Comedy of Jack Benny at Indian Trails library program

The comedy of Jack Benny will be explored by local historian Jim Bernard as he remembers Benny’s life, career in entertainment and plays excerpts from some of Benny’s funniest radio programs at a special program 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, at the Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling.

Benny, one of America’s leading entertainers and comedians of the 20th Century was widely known for his stinginess, his conversation stopping — “Well …,” and his unchangeable age of 39.

Benny was actually born in Chicago in 1894, but grew up in Waukegan. He began studying the violin, an instrument that became a focal point of many of performances, at age 7. By the time he was 14 he was playing in local dance bands and his high school orchestra. He continued in vaudeville, mainly playing the violin.

In 1917, he joined the U.S. Navy and entertained the troops playing his violin. After being booed by the troops during one performance, he began to ad-lib his way out of the situation. His comic ad-libbing was such a hit it became part of the act and earned him the reputation as a comedian as well as a musician.

He continued as a minor vaudeville performer until 1932, when he began his weekly radio show. The Jack Benny Show continued until 1955, with rebroadcasts airing until 1958. It was always one of the top-rated radio programs. The television version of the show aired from 1950 to 1965, at first airing as infrequent specials, but from 1954 to 1960 it ran every other week to allow Benny time to also do his radio show. Then, from 1960 to 1965 is became a weekly show.

Learn more about this famous entertainer and his humor at Jack Benny at the Indian Trails Public Library 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 26. Registration is required. To register or obtain more information, call the library at (847) 459-4100.

Ÿ Send Your news to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com.