There was no more than the question as previously stated from the original poster, but the replies made for interesting reading, ranging from:
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| Jack Benny Celebrating his 39th Birthday |
- "Of course not, he was a well known skirt-chaser in his youth, and he was married to Mary Livingston for many years"
- "Sure he was, everyone in Hollywood with the possible exception of John Wayne was and is homosexual!"
- "Part of Benny's "schtick" was his limp-wristed hand-to-face gestures. He was not gay, but emphasized what his fans observed as "acting like a girl" for humor. While heterosexual Benny tried to gay it up, many really gay actors or comedians in those days tried to act as "straight" as they could muster."
- "... the idea behind his character was to have him a little on the ambiguous side. His character was also supposed to embody some of the most negative characteristics, and his effeminate mannerisms were more designed to be pompous rather than "gay". Also, back in the 50s society wasn't so obsessed with men acting masculine and defining the more effeminate ones as "gay", it was a lot more acceptable. In fact, you could probably look at most actors and comedians from the 20s-50s and point out quirks and mannerisms that today's society would define as "gay".
Its a silly question on several levels. First of all, the writer seems to know very little about Jack Benny. Yes, he was married to Mary Livingston (born Sadie Marks) from 1927 until his death in 1974.
Haters will argue that means nothing, many Hollywood actors were married to disguise their "preferences". They well also point to Jack's "less than macho" stage presence. This ignores the fact that Jack's comic genius was based on creating a character that was so much NOT like him. The Jack Benny who appeared on the air was vain, self-centered, miserly, and insisted on being the center of attention. According to all reports, in real life Jack was warm, generous, and pleasant to be around. In real life Jack was even a good (perhaps not great) violin player; in his later years he appeared with several orchestras around the country as part of their fund raising, and by all accounts he had no reason to be embarrassed by his playing.
His Jack Benny v Fred Allen feud was a hilarious fake. Fred Allen & Jack Benny worked adjoining time-slots on Sunday nights for a long time, and the feud was simply a gag that worked very well for both shows. Fred and Jack were actually very close friends, according to many that is why the supposed feud worked so well for so many years.
The real reason that the supposition that Jack Benny was gay is so ludicrous is the simple fact that no one had sex before 1974 any way! Yes, there were more than a few hot ladies in show business, as well as several manly men. O.K., there were some men who may have been a little "light in the loafers" as well, but the important point is that NONE OF THEM WAS HAVING SEX BEFORE 1974! Don't believe me? Just look at the old movies--men and women, even married men and women, didn't sleep in the same bed. They weren't even allowed to kiss unless they were fully clothed and each had at least one foot on the ground!
Your blog is a rare pleasure, and Benny was one of the greats. Although your post here is tongue-in-cheek, all evidence seems to indicate that Jack was not gay. "Not that there's anything wrong with that!" Also, the third image we see here -- jack_benny.jpg -- is NOT Jack Benny
ReplyDeleteHow do you know? What is the give-away in the picture?
DeleteJack Benny was gay. These were the signs: 1. His demeanor. Anyone with gaydar could see it right away. He didn't even have to dress up like a girl in the show. 2. His wife. There is a saying, a successful cute guy with a plain or ugly wife is usually gay. Same with Michael Jackson, extremely rich, successful, yet all the women available, he married Debbie Rowe. It's just a front.
DeleteI agree im watching a episode right now with Joe besser in it so if that doesn't benny was gay I don't know what cause besser was gay as a 3 dollar bill
DeleteFor those using his daughter as proof he wasn't gay I thought she was adopted & among with that she wrote in a autobiography that Jack & Mary slept in separate rooms. Rooms not beds but rooms. Seems odd as the interest in Jacks sexuality.
DeleteWatching his show right now & no matter of its an act which would seem a bit cruel to actual gay men of the day unless ofcourse he was gay.
DeleteKelsey Grammar epitomizes this point with the character Frazier Crane. He definitely uses Benny's comedic style in a modern context which proves that Benny's comedic style is still relevant without being a gay character. I really enjoyed this blog. Especially since I'm a big Benny fan.
ReplyDeleteI have wondered about this also...Was Jack Benny gay? I will say this ....He is a very talented pioneer of radio, television...and even before that...was a vaudvillian of the old school Jewish crowd... (Thats back in the 30s folks). Yes he was a GREAT violin player. He was extremely generous ...to a fault......He was a brilliant individual and deserves all of our praises. Awesome individual.
ReplyDeleteyes, I agree. He's what you'd call an effeminate Duchess but nothing more.
ReplyDeleteHe was obviously gay--most likely on the low. Yes, he was married, but stars do this all the time to protect their image, especially during the "golden age" of tv when being gay was not accepted. His wife Mary Livingstone was the typical plain Jane type woman gay/bisexual guys go for--acceptable looks, yet not gorgeous enough to outshine him. Even on his show there are sometimes odd interactions with men that he enjoys a little too much. Like the time when he turned his son (played by a grown man) over his lap to give him a spanking. Jack proceeded to deliver multiple slaps, hand firmly placed on the actor's buttocks with intense enjoyment. I too am a fan of the show (which airs on Antenna TV), but there's no denying the man was a twinkle toes.
ReplyDeletei think that only a man who was gay himself would find what you just described as gay. he was a comedian playing to a live audience,and as such he over-plays things for laughs. like....um,idont know. bending a grown man over his lap to physically disipline him in front of 200 people.
DeletePaul Lynde is another example of a gay actor who played a "gay" type character. I think Jack Benny was most likely gay.
Deleteof course, jack benny was wonderful. he was both a broad and intellectual comedian. i like watching him for all there is to learn from this tremendously creative and technically proficient comic actor.
Deleteit seems all of my hollywood actors have turned out to be gay; fred astaire (i was crushed - for me, he was a male role model. now i find out he was gay.) , cary grant (more likely bi-sexual. however, he was a fine actor and i loved his screen persona and he was supposed to be a stable and substantial man off the screen), john wayne (a great, not good, actor. very underrated and to this day i like to say to my kids, 'saddle up, pilgrim') and now - jack benny !!! i am crushed. who's next, my other favorite comic/actor steve martin ? where do i go for my testosterone rush these days ?
Wealthy men often sound effeminate, take Thurston Howell the 3rd from Gilliguns Island, he was effeminate in a back east upper class way. English men sound gay to me, I have seen flamers on British TV shows and they barely transcend the typical British males femininity.
DeleteI really enjoy the Jack Benny shows. He was a national treasure. What a riot! Thank you Mr. Benny for all the laughs.
ReplyDeletewhat a genius...answer is No'...it just shows his genius in comedy
ReplyDeleteVery interesting back n forth about the question of wether jack benny was gay . I loved jack benny I even cried when he passed away . I always wondered about wether he was gay n if rochester was his "partner in life" meaning if they were a couple . Anyone who understands life as a closeted gay person knows that being married or even using a gay persona in someones act doesnt mean that a person is straight n it doesnt mean they r a comic genius . Benny wasnt the only comic that used a gay persona as their act : allan sues charles nelson riley paul Lynn milton berle n that actor from " too close for comfort" all used that same so called genius n all were gay or bi . Using a gay persona is their way of being able to b themselves but for a laugh , but it is who they r . Its widely known that many actors n actresses that were stars were closeted publicly because they knew the truth would destroy their careers n back in jack bennys day it would have even today it could ruin a career . No one is that genius sorry I adored jack benny n even more because I knew that he was more likely than not gay . Anyone who thinks it was just his act doesnt know the life of the closet n if ur gay n still dont get it then thats the state of denial . Gay or not funny is funny n benny was funny.
Deletethe wife-as-beard pattern seems to include multiple marriages. benny was married to the same woman to 44 years. this does not fit the pattern.
DeleteWho cares? He seemed like a very nice man & no one had a bad thing to ever (that I read, or heard & I had 4 popular restaurants in Hollyweird in the 60's & 70's, starting very young, @ 22!) say about Jack Benny or I would have heard about it!
ReplyDeleteI knew a lot of so called "stars" of yesterday & some that lasted until today & are still going strong, that used to "walk the streets" & hustling in the local bars (my restaurants too) & would be "available" for as little as $20 a trick, err, a throw, anyway you wanted it!
I myself was a male model & got many offers to be in movies, but, the "creatures" I would have had to go to bed with, made me sick to my stomach! So, I stuck to working for a living & I got lucky in the restaurant BUSINESS! They called me "The most beautiful boy in the world" & a cross between Victure Mature (for the body) & Tyrone Powers (for the face), or at least that's what my agent, a Henry Wilson stuck me with! I very soon learned, any good looking boy or man in Hollyweird was called the same thing, or Nature Boy, Golden Boy, just ANY BS to get in your pants & if you din't "PLAY" with & for the perverts that run the town, namely, a bunch of rich, immoral, ugly, fat old trolling Jews that "control" all media, including Hollyweird, you would never make it on your own, unless you had God given talent, even if you were ugly as sin! Look @ Dustin Hoffman, yikes, his face. & many like him, would stop a 40 hour clock!
I got to know many old timers in Hollyweird & the stories they told me, plus, my encounters with many myself, I could write a book, but, middle class, lilly white America wouldn't believe it, but, it'd be true, 100 percent! Ah, I remember it well & wish there were more talented men like Jack Benny today around! Just my private thoughts, or, IMHO.
I've read a lot about him. He was a great comedian but I think he was gay. His own adopted daughter said he and smart always slept in separate bedrooms. He was the kind of ladies man who hung out with the ladies at a party. People of his generation loved him so they keep his secrets.
ReplyDeleteMmm.... Jack.
ReplyDeleteHis gestures of him, like having his wrists so loose, the way his stance was, always having his elbows CLOSE TO HIS SIDE...ALL the signs of a VIOLINIST. I play the violin, and his body actions are perfectly normal. For HIM anyway
ReplyDeleteOhh your rod......Chester!
ReplyDeleteJust saw the episode with Jack and Clint Walker. Yeah, Jack was gay...he was hanging on this dude's arm like a prom date. Wow...
ReplyDeleteI love Jack Benny, yes I do think he was gay, most are in Hollywood, u kinda have to be.
ReplyDeleteYep, to bypass casting directors and anointed into high-profile entertainer positions with ceaseless promotion, you have to be (1) mentally ill such that you believe that you're, well.....not that there's anything wrong with that!, (2) majorly connected (usually that means from a rich and elite / controlling family, and (3) a certain...let's just say creed / religion.
DeleteEvery "star" in Hollywood is and always has been basically the same. It's a massive racket.
"nobody had sex before 1974" this is obviously a joke right? im sure if that was true, no humans would still be on earth.
ReplyDeleteI think that was supposed to mean no sex on on tv before 1974. But it still doesn't make sense. That has nothing to do with being gay. I'm with you that comment makes no sense (no sex before 1974.)
DeleteEverybody and their brother in Hollywood was is and still are gay as hell! They just kept their bedroom more secretive back in those days the way it should be today! What a man does in his bedroom is his business! But we also have to have respect for the American family values!
DeleteI think there were multiple wavelengths of comedy going on in the same show, each appealing to a different slice of America. White kids loved the bad violin playing and painfully stereotypical Rochester. Their parents cracked up at these same simple jokes as well as the cheapskate jokes. However, Rochester was not dumb and often knew better than "Missa Benny". These little digs at the stereotypical old dorky white guy establishment likely appealed to black audiences. The sissy mannerisms could be taken as a dig at high society (as actual homosexuality was not spoken of in those days), but some audiences could see the camp in the whole thing as well. Recurring characters actors like Frank Nelson reinforced the camp. I firmly believe the TV character of Mary was brought in to allow the camp to climb higher without suspicion of "deviance".
ReplyDeleteReal life? Who knows? Pre-AIDS, you really could swing with guys on the side with your only worries being VD or outing. But to be respected in Hollywood required marrying a woman, so that means very little. A better proof of heterosexuality in show business in having women crop up accusing you of paternity and I never heard of this occurring with Benny.
Gay or not. Jack Benny was a great actor. How come it only pertains to men anyway? Women and men are born the way they are. And being a good person is all that matters. And im only reading that he was a good man. Yes i watch him and wonder but in truth thats not my business. Nobody's asking is Livingston a lesbian?? Its sad a decade later and people are still afraid to be true to themselves. God bless all Gods creatures
ReplyDeleteI also am a big Jack Benny fan, and after reading Sunday Nights at Seven, which is Jack's writings along with his daughter Joan's, I think there is a possibility he was gay. Jack and Mary always had separate rooms, Mary was supposedly very difficult to get along with--possibly because she was unhappy in her faux marriage? I've wondered if he was and no it doesn't make a difference to me, but it would just be another thing to learn about an entertainer I like so much.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter either way, but inquiring minds just want the facts, right? I love Jack Benny.
ReplyDeleteJack Benny was a very talented and funny man but he was truly a flamer
ReplyDeleteWow, stumbled upon this site accidentally and what a joy it's been reading others minds! Mine is regardless of Mr Benny's sexual likes he was a mans man and a Ladies man. That in and of itself made him a Man. I think he prob had likes that were not publicised and that's very true of our public personas today. He was then and remains a True Hollywood Legend. Thank You for this site/opportunity to voice my fee cents/sense and I close and bid all a Happy Holiday Merry Christmas and SAFE Future! Pete
ReplyDeleteWho cares gay or not, the man was funny and that should be all that matters.
ReplyDeleteAs a comedian, I studied Jack Benny, and he loved comedic texture. Jack was a showman, and he employed rich comedic texture in each of the personalities this program. The contrast of characters And their idiosyncrasies helped to make the program historic. To last as long as he did, Jack had to have a very complex comedic character, and be a terrific editor, what she wants. The fact that people are Debating yes sexual leanings almost 50 years after his past shows how brilliant the man was, bravo Jack!
ReplyDeleteAll of you who think Jack Benny is gay are simply projecting your own ideals onto the man. YES, the man. Jack Benny was one of the funniest comedians to ever live. Off stage he was a gracious and kind man. He was a lot of things, but gay is not one of them. Rewrite history somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteSo why adopt a daughter & only one & marry a woman who he could of done much better than considering who he was. Also why have separate bedrooms in a house full of love between how wife & himself. Sure separate beds were a thing but separate rooms in what was in sure a huge house seems odd. As does adoption over actual birth unless his wife or him had issues but I've never read that. In the end who cares but his adopted daughter biography is intresting.
DeleteThere are Many many possible reasons that a couple would sleep in separate rooms regardless of sexual orientation
DeleteNo, Jack wasn't gay. He was fully heterosexual.
ReplyDeleteHis long time marriage to Mary was dead in the water not too long after they married. When he proposed marriage to her, he was truly in love with her at the time. She was already engaged to be married to some other guy and Jack spent an entire night talking her out of getting engaged to that other fellow and marry him instead.
After getting married, Jack was soon to discover that Mary was not a good catch. Jack's friends came to hate Mary. His best friend George Burns remarked how much he and Gracie loved Jack, but they barely tolerated Mary. Even Jack and Mary's adopted daughter Joan remarked on what a bad mother and human being Mary really was.
It was no secret that early on Jack and Mary had separate bedrooms in their huge mansion. A magazine of the time did an article on Jack's newly built house which showed Jack's and Mary's separate bedrooms.
In those days, while married couples were depicted in the movies sharing separate beds, at least they were sharing the same bedroom.
Why didn't Jack get a divorce? Appearances sake. Plus, while Jack wasn't a cheapskate in real life, the costs of a divorce would have been humongous as well as a hit to his career.
So, Jack being a normal man with normal sexual urges, he cheated on Mary. One of his alleged affairs was with one of his movie costars, Ann Sheridan.
I always like how Johnny Carson imitated Benny's deadpan facial mannerisms.
DeleteAccording to the excellent Ed Wood biography, "Nightmare of Ecstasy," Jack Benny liked to dress in drag in his private life, much like Ed did.
ReplyDeleteThere was something very attractive about Mary and don't forget she was his costar on his radio show and was a radio star in her own right, in the sense that audiences loved her, her deadpan delivery, and her occasional messing up of lines. She was a regualr on Jack's show for many years. And on his early TV show episodes, as well. Having separate bedrooms was not unusual among wealthy people. They probably didn't have a great marriage or at least friends said she spent too much money and was too demanding of Jack. I don't think there's any proof he was gay. I did read that he and Mariyn Monroe used go to a nude beach together in hats, sunglasses, and wigs to disguise themselves.
ReplyDelete"Haters"??!
ReplyDeleteJack Benny was a popular American comedian, vaudeville performer, and radio, television, and film actor. There is no credible evidence that he was gay. He was married to his wife Mary Livingstone for over 40 years.
ReplyDeleteI have always been a fan of Jack Benny, his wit and humor always had me in stitches. However, one day I was at the bar with my friends and we started discussing famous comedians. My friend brought up Jack Benny and said, "You know he's gay, right?" I was shocked, I had never heard this before. I immediately dismissed it, telling my friend that Jack Benny was married to Mary Livingstone and had no children.
ReplyDeleteHowever, my friend persisted, saying that there were rumors of Jack Benny being gay and that he often surrounded himself with other gay men in the entertainment industry. I was skeptical, but the thought lingered in my head.
I decided to do some research and found out that there was actually some evidence to support the claim that Jack Benny may have been gay. For example, his close friendship with George Burns and his affinity for musicals and drag performances. But then again, I also found out that Jack Benny was known for being a prankster, and it's possible that these rumors were started as a joke by him or his friends.
I couldn't shake off the thought, so I decided to watch some of Jack Benny's performances and try to find any hints of his sexuality. But after watching several episodes, I couldn't find anything concrete. He was still the same funny man I remembered, and his sexual orientation didn't seem to matter to his comedy.
In the end, I came to the conclusion that it didn't matter whether Jack Benny was gay or not. He was a talented comedian who brought laughter and joy to millions of people, and that's all that should matter. Regardless of his sexual orientation, he will always be remembered for his wit and humor.
I realized that sometimes rumors and gossip shouldn't be taken seriously, and that people should be judged based on their actions and character, not their sexual orientation. And in Jack Benny's case, his talent and humor speak for themselves.
Author: You wrote, "Haters will argue that means nothing..."
ReplyDeleteSo, anyone who thinks you are wrong about something is just some evil person who is full of "hate"??!