Robert Benchley
Robert Benchley (Robert Charles Benchley) was born on September 15th, 1889. Robert passed away November 21st, 1945 at 56 years old. Robert Benchley was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. Benchley attended Harvard University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Robert Benchley was a humorist that was best known for his work as a movie actor and a newspaper columnist.
Robert got his start at
The Harvard Lampoon as he attended Harvard University. From that, through his numerous years of writing articles and essays penned for magazines and his acclaimed shorts, his style of humor brought him success and respect during his life.
During Robert’s first two years at Harvard, he worked with both the
Harvard Lampoon and
Harvard Advocate. He got elected to the Lampoon’s board of directors during his third year. His election was unusual, as he was the publication’s art editor at the time and board positions usually fell to the foremost writers on staff. This position opened up a number of other doors for him, and he quickly was nominated to the Signet Society meeting club on top of becoming the only undergraduate member of the Boston Papyrus Club at that time.
Robert did very well in his government and English classes. His style and humor started revealing themselves during this time. He was often called on to entertain his frat brothers of Delta Upsilon fraternity, and his impressions of other classmates and his professors became quite popular. His performances provided him some local fame, and most entertainment programs on campus and numerous off-campus meetings recruited his talents.
He is remembered best for his contributions to
The New Yorker, and his essays for the publication (whether absurdist or topical) influenced many modern humorists. His short film,
How to Sleep, was a popular success and won a 1935 Academy Award for Best Short Subject.
The Benchley Roundup collects Robert’s articles and sketches, published previously in
The New Yorker,
Vanity Fair, and
Lifeand selected by Nathaniel (Robert’s son). These pieces earned him a reputation as being one of the sharpest humorists of his time. His influence, on contemporaries like James Thurber, E. B. White, and S. J. Perelman, or followers like Richard Pryor, Woody Allen, and Steve Martin, has left its indelible mark on the American comic tradition.
This is a compendium of the most enduring and endearing work from one of the most penetrating wits and America’s funniest.
Best of Robert Benchley consists of 72 timeless pieces of wisdom, wit, and whimsy by the renowned drama critic and humorist which touch on subjects that range from pigeons to political conventions, relative art, Christmas cards, and vitamin E.
Chips Off the Old Benchley represents some of the most inspired writing that the Old Master ever committed to paper. It is Robert in fine form, at his best, most unpredictable, wayward, and hilarious moods.
Related Authors
The most common authors followed by users who also follow Robert Benchley are:
- J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter Series.
- Charles Dickens, author of the novel: A Christmas Carol.
- Jane Austen, author of the novel: Pride and Prejudice.
- Alexander McCall Smith, author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series.
- Connie Willis, author of the novel: Doomsday Book.
Robert Benchley: F.A.Q
When was Robert Benchley Born?
Robert Benchley was born on September 15th, 1889.
When did Robert Benchley die?
Robert Benchley died on November 21st, 1945 at 56 years old.
Where was Robert Benchley Born?
Robert Benchley was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
What was the first book Robert Benchley wrote?
The first book written by Robert Benchley was Of All Things, published in 1921.
What was the most recent book Robert Benchley wrote?
His most recently released work was The Athletic Benchley: 105 Exercises from The Detroit Athletic Club News on December 31st, 2010.
How many books has Robert Benchley written?
Robert Benchley has written 22 books. All of his books are Non-Fiction Books.