Jack Benny
ActingAbout Jack Benny
Jack Benny (February 14, 1894 – December 26, 1974) was an American comedian, vaudevillian, and actor for radio, television, and film. Widely recognized as one of the leading American entertainers of the 20th century, Benny played the role of the comic penny-pinching miser, insisting on remaining 39 years old on stage despite his actual age, and often playing the violin badly. Benny was known for his comic timing and his ability to get laughs with either a pregnant pause or a single expression, such as his signature exasperated "Well!" His radio and television programs, tremendously popular from the 1930s to the 1960s, were a foundational influence on the situation comedy genre. Dean Martin, on the celebrity roast for Johnny Carson in November 1973, introduced Benny as "the Satchel Paige of the world of comedy." Description above from the Wikipedia article Jack Benny, licensed under CC-BY-SA,full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jack Benny reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Jack Benny's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 44% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Jack Benny remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Showbiz Goes to War, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Jack Benny Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Jack Benny's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jack Benny.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | The Automat | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Mike Wallace Is Here | (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Studio 54 | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | The Last Laugh | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration | Self / Shower of Stars (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | Beatles Stories | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | That's Entertainment! III | (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Jack Benny: Comedy in Bloom | Himself | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | James Stewart: A Wonderful Life | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | Showbiz Goes to War | (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Oops, Those Hollywood Bloopers! | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | That's Entertainment, Part II | (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Perry Como Christmas Show | Santa Claus (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Man | Jack Benny | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Great Radio Comedians | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | The Mad, Mad, Mad Comedians | Self (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 1970 | Swing Out, Sweet Land | Man Who Finds Silver Dollar | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Dean Martin Christmas Show | Self (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | A Guide for the Married Man | Technical Adviser (Ollie 'Sweet Lips') | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Honey Pot | Violinist Outside Restaurant (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1963 | It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World | Man in Car in Desert (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Gypsy | Jack Benny (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Who Was That Lady? | Mr. Cosgrove (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Who Was That Lady? | Mr. Cosgrove | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Mouse That Jack Built | Jack (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | The All-Star Christmas Show | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | Rock-a-Bye Baby | Carlos, the matador (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Somebody Loves Me | Jack Benny | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | You Can Change The World | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Great Lover | Jack Benny (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Without Reservations | Jack Benny (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Horn Blows at Midnight | Athanael | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | It's in the Bag! | Jack Benny | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | Hollywood Canteen | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Show-Business at War | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Meanest Man in the World | Richard Clarke | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | George Washington Slept Here | Bill Fuller | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | To Be or Not to Be | Joseph Tura | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Charley's Aunt | Babbs Babberley | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Love Thy Neighbor | Jack Benny | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Hollywood Goes to Town | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Artists & Models | Mac Brewster | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | College Holiday | J. Davis Bowster | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Big Broadcast of 1937 | Jack Carson | Flop | Similar → |
| 1935 | Broadway Melody of 1936 | Bert Keeler | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | A Broadway Romeo | Jack | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Rounder | Mr. Bartlett | Average | Similar → |
| 1929 | The Hollywood Revue of 1929 | Self - Master of Ceremonies | Average | Similar → |
Jack Benny - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Jack Benny?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jack Benny is "Showbiz Goes to War" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Jack Benny acted in?
Jack Benny has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Jack Benny?
Other notable films include "Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration", "Jack Benny: Comedy in Bloom", and "Somebody Loves Me".