Henny Youngman
Comedian
Henny Youngman was one of the most famous stand-up comedians of post-vaudeville America. Columnist Walter Winchell dubbed him "the king of the one-liners," a tribute to Youngman's rapid-fire style. Youngman got his start as a violinist, and he often carried a violin on stage with him as a prop. Among his most famous lines were "I was so ugly when I was born, the doctor slapped my mother," and "Take my wife -- please!" His 1991 autobiography was titled Take My Life, Please!Other comedians of Youngman's era include Bob Hope, Groucho Marx, Ernie Kovacs and Lucille Ball.
Four Good Links
Tribute to Henny Youngman
Chatty bio, with a few jokes tossed in
Henny Youngman Audio Interview
1983 recording of Henny talking about his long career
King of One-liners Dies
Associated Press obituary, includes "Doctor, will I be able to play the piano?"
Henny Youngman Jokes
A line-up of typical Youngman one-liners
Vital Stats
Birth
Birthplace
Death
24 February 1998
(complications from flu, age 91)
Best Known As
The guy who said "Take my wife -- please!"
