George Burns

Photo of George Burns

Biography

After several unsuccessful attempts at a vaudeville career, Burns's luck changed in 1923, when he formed the Burns and Allen duo with young comic Gracie Allen (he would marry her in 1926). Gracie at first played the "straight man", but her wacky descriptions of her large family managed to garner all the laughs and the team wisely reversed roles. Having become vaudeville stars, the team appeared in several short films, made their feature debut …
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Job Title

Actor, Producer, Writer, Music

Born

January 1, 1970

Career Milestones

1994

Final film, "Radioland Murders"

1976

Portrayed the Almighty in "Oh, God"; reprised role in two sequels

1975

Returned to screen in "The Sunshine Boys"; won Oscar as Best Supporting Actor

1964

Gracie Allen died

1958

Began performing as solo comedian after Gracie Allen retired

1950

"Burns and Allen" show premiered on TV

1939

Last film before 35-year break from screen, "Honolulu"

1932

Feature film debut, "The Big Broadcast"

1930

"Burns and Allen" show first premiered on radio

1929

Appeared with Allen in 10-minute short film "Lamb Chops", the first of over a dozen shorts for Paramount

1923

Teamed with Gracie Allen; performed on Keith and Orpheum vaudeville circuits

Worked as a trick roller-skater, a dance teacher and vaudeville performer from age 14

Formed a group of children singers called the Peewee Quartet at age eight

Awards

1994

Screen Actors Guild Award for Life Achievement

1993

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special in Bob Hope: The First Ninety Years

1990

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance In Informational Programming in A Conversation With Dinah

1984

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance In a Variety or Music Program in George Burns Celebrates 80 Years in Show Business

1975

Academy Award for Actor In a Supporting Role in The Sunshine Boys

1975

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical in The Sunshine Boys