New Books in Popular Culture Kathryn Fuller-Seeley, “Jack Benny and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy” (U California Press, 2017)
Oct 19, 2018
Kathryn Fuller-Seely, a Professor of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin and author of the acclaimed book on Jack Benny, delves into the groundbreaking career of this comedy legend. She discusses Benny’s transition from vaudeville to radio and his unique character-driven approach to sitcoms. Fuller-Seely reveals Benny's playful gender dynamics, the crucial role of Mary Livingstone, and how Benny's innovative integration of commercials brought new life to branded comedy. They also explore Benny's lasting impact on modern comedic forms.
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How Fuller‑Seely Found Jack Benny
- Kathryn Fuller-Seely recounts discovering Jack Benny via 1970s TV showings and buying cassette tapes of old radio episodes as a teen.
- She saved babysitting money to assemble about 15 cassettes and forced her brothers to listen with her.
Vaudeville Shaped Benny's Persona
- Fuller-Seely describes Benny's vaudeville origins as a violinist who shifted into comedy over two decades.
- He changed his name from Benjamin Kubelski to Jack Benny and crafted an elegant, self-deprecating stage persona.
Ensemble Format Solved Radio's Material Problem
- Benny avoided rapid joke‑dumping by creating a workplace ensemble around “putting on a radio show.”
- That format produced endless situational jokes and shifted punchlines to supporting characters.
