- Born
- Died
- Birth nameHenry Youngman
- Nickname
- King of the One Liners
- Height6′ 3″ (1.91 m)
- A career of seven decades of snappy, irreverent one-liners put Henry "Henny" Youngman at the top of most comedians' list of favorite showmen. Born in London, England, and moving to the United States when he was a baby, Youngman started his professional career as a printer in a small store. Naturally funny, he moonlighted in show business as the leader of a band called the "Swanee Syncopaters." One night, the regular comedian didn't show up, and Youngman, who had tickled crowds with his jokes between musical sets, was asked to fill in. Some time later, established comedian Milton Berle stumbled upon Youngman's store and saw his "Comedy Cards," a series of one-line gags that he had printed and were sold in his store. Berle liked what he read, and a lifelong friendship developed. Youngman, despite all the jokes about his wife, had a happy marriage that only ended when Sadie died in 1987. She supported him for years during the lean times, and he was always quick to let others know of his gratitude and devotion to her. Youngman's big break came when he was booked on the popular Kate Smith radio show in 1937. Never really making it in films, his nightclub career soared. His trademark, rapid-fire one-liners, with violin in hand, put him in a league of his own. In the 1960s, he enjoyed renewed popularity after appearances on the hip Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1967). Youngman wrote a number of books comprised of his short jokes. The comedic legend died in 1998 at the age of 92 of complications from the flu.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Vicki McClure Davidson
- SpouseSadie Cohen(May 4, 1928 - March 19, 1987) (her death, 2 children)
- Performed his comedy act holding a violin
- His signature joke is almost never quoted in its entirety. The complete joke is, "Women today are crazy! I mean, take my wife...please!"
- In 1974, he was used by the New York Telephone Company on its new "Dial-A-Joke" service. He drew over three million calls in one month.
- Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the Welcome Back to Brooklyn Festival in 1988.
- He had a son, Gary, and a daughter, Marilyn.
- Known as "King of the One-Liners"
- Take my wife ... please!
- I have terrible luck. Last week my chauffeur ran off without my wife.
- I've been married for 34 years, and I'm still in love with the same woman. If my wife ever finds out, she'll kill me.
- My best friend ran away with my wife, and let me tell you, I miss him.
- I miss my wife's cooking - as often as I can.
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