Robert Charles Benchley (September 15, 1889 â€" November 21, 1945) was
an American humorist best known for his work as a newspaper columnist
and film actor. From his beginnings at The Harvard Lampoon while
attending Harvard University, through his many years writing essays
and articles for Vanity Fair and The New Yorker and his acclaimed
short films, Benchley's style of humor brought him respect and success
during his life, from his peers at the Algonquin Round Table in New
York City to contemporaries in the burgeoning film industry.Benchley
is best remembered for his contributions to The New Yorker, where his
essays, whether topical or absurdist, influenced many modern
humorists. He also made a name for himself in Hollywood, when his
short film How to Sleep was a popular success and won Best Short
Subject at the 1935 Academy Awards. He also made many memorable
appearances acting in films such as Alfred Hitchcock's Foreign
Correspondent (1940) and Nice Girl? (1941). His legacy includes
written work and numerous short film appearances.Robert Benchley was
born on September 15, 1889, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the second
son of Maria Jane (Moran) and Charles Henry Benchley. They were of
Northern Irish (Protestant) and Welsh descent, respectively, both from
colonial stock. His brother Edmund was thirteen years older. Benchley
was later known for writing elaborately misleading and fictional
autobiographical statements about himself (at one point asserting that
he wrote A Tale of Two Cities before being buried at Westminster
Abbey).
an American humorist best known for his work as a newspaper columnist
and film actor. From his beginnings at The Harvard Lampoon while
attending Harvard University, through his many years writing essays
and articles for Vanity Fair and The New Yorker and his acclaimed
short films, Benchley's style of humor brought him respect and success
during his life, from his peers at the Algonquin Round Table in New
York City to contemporaries in the burgeoning film industry.Benchley
is best remembered for his contributions to The New Yorker, where his
essays, whether topical or absurdist, influenced many modern
humorists. He also made a name for himself in Hollywood, when his
short film How to Sleep was a popular success and won Best Short
Subject at the 1935 Academy Awards. He also made many memorable
appearances acting in films such as Alfred Hitchcock's Foreign
Correspondent (1940) and Nice Girl? (1941). His legacy includes
written work and numerous short film appearances.Robert Benchley was
born on September 15, 1889, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the second
son of Maria Jane (Moran) and Charles Henry Benchley. They were of
Northern Irish (Protestant) and Welsh descent, respectively, both from
colonial stock. His brother Edmund was thirteen years older. Benchley
was later known for writing elaborately misleading and fictional
autobiographical statements about himself (at one point asserting that
he wrote A Tale of Two Cities before being buried at Westminster
Abbey).
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