The Jack Benny Program: Season 12

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The Jack Benny Program
Season Details & Credits
CBS | Season Premiere Date: October 15, 1961
Starring: Jack Benny, Eddie Anderson, Dennis Day
Summary: Jack Benny made his television debut after a long career in vaudeville, radio and film. During his radio series he cultivated the traits that his television character would have as well. Jack's on-air persona was of a vain, stingy character who always claimed to be age 39. Jack's radio show aired on NBC & CBS from 1932-1955, overlapping theJack Benny made his television debut after a long career in vaudeville, radio and film. During his radio series he cultivated the traits that his television character would have as well. Jack's on-air persona was of a vain, stingy character who always claimed to be age 39. Jack's radio show aired on NBC & CBS from 1932-1955, overlapping the TV show. Joining him from his radio cast were Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, as Jack's wise-cracking valet; Dennis Day, the naive, somewhat dense tenor who sang on the show; and Don Wilson the announcer.Seen on a more irregular basis was Mary Livingstone, Jack's real-life wife. On the show Mary did not play Benny's spouse (Jack's character always remained single) but her role was never defined. In Mary's first appearances she played a fan of Jack's; later she portrayed Jack's secretary. Mary, who suffered from stage fright, made few television appearances before retiring from show business in 1959. Also appearing were:
- Frank Nelson (the man who always harassed Jack, greeting him with an obnoxious "YEEESSSS"),
- Artie Auerbach (who played Mr. Kitzel),
- Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny, who often played Professor LeBlanc, Jack's violin teacher as well as many other roles). Jack Benny moved into television slowly:
- In his first season (1950-1951), he only performed 4 shows.
- By the 1951-1952 season, Jack was ready to do 1 show approximately every 6 weeks.
- In the third season (1952-1953), the show was broadcast every 4 weeks.
- During the 1953-1954 season, The Jack Benny Program aired every 3 weeks.
- From 1954-1960, the Benny programs aired every other week, rotating with such shows as Private Secretary and Bachelor Father.
- Beginning in the 1960-1961 season, The Jack Benny Program began airing every week.It is also worth noting that the show moved from CBS to NBC prior to the 1964-65 season.… Expand
Genre(s): Comedy

Season 12 Episodes

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