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George Burns

George Burns (January 20, 1896 - March 9, 1996) was a legendary American vaudeville comedian who went on to work in movies, radio, and early television. He was born as Nathan Birnbaum to Louis and Dorothy Birnbaum, the ninth of twelve children, in New York City, New York.

Burns teamed with his second wife Gracie Allen as Burns & Allen; they built their routines and their television sitcom around situations where she said (and did) ditsy things and he made wry comments as asides to the audience, often while brandishing a cigar or golf club. After her death in 1964, he continued to perform and is probably best remembered for playing the title role in the 1977 film Oh, God! and its sequels (1980 and 1984).

Burns remained deeply devoted to Allen after she passed away. He never re-married, and though he developed a running joke of being a sexy senior citizen (he was often seen in the company of beautiful young women), he was never crude and his devotion to his wife was unquestioned up until his death. On his relationships, he said, "I'd go out with women my age, but there are no women my age."


Note: This profile was written in or before 2004.

George Burns Facts

Birth NameNathan Birnbaum
OccupationActor, Comedian
BirthdayJanuary 20, 1896
SignAquarius
BirthplaceNew York, New York, USA
Date of deathMarch 9, 1996 (age 100)
Awards1995 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Life Achievement Award
1976 Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor (for The Sunshine Boys)

Selected Filmography

Stardust
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Big Little Lies: On Set
Carrie
Going in Style
The Bourne Ultimatum
George Burns in Concert
Startime: George Burns in the Big Time
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Continue » Find more details on the George Burns Movies page