Did you know that Jack Benny was born Benjamin Kubelsky in Chicago on February 14, 1894, and grew up in nearby Waukegan? He became a radio, television and movie star who presented himself as perpetually 39 years old, incredibly cheap, petty, vain, and horrible at playing the violin. In reality Jack Benny was nothing like his comic persona. Learn what set him down the path of becoming a Hollywood icon and one of the most successful comedians of all time. He would have a lasting impact on future generations of comics and actors as diverse as Johnny Carson, Phil Hartman, Eugene Levy, Kelsey Grammar, and Jerry Seinfeld. He never forgot Waukegan, and some of his visits back to his hometown are featured in this program.
Ty Rohrer, Manager of Cultural Arts for the Waukegan Park District, is presenting this program. He is also the City Historian and Director of the Waukegan History Museum. He plans to display his many historic images!
Thursday, February 25, 7 p.m. This is a free virtual program using Zoom.
Please register and enter your e-mail address for instructions and Zoom connection details.