Man Who Kept 2 Great Comedians in the Limelight

[Guest fountainhall]

Irving Fein is anything but a household name. He was a Hollywood publicist and manager who died yesterday. One of many of a much despised breed, he had the good fortune/judgement to work with and guide the careers of two master comedians – Jack Benny and George Burns.

 

He first collaborated with Benny after the Second World War, helping him polish up his image of a famously ‘cheap’ Charlie and also a lousy violinist, which he wasn't - that violin in the clip is a Stradivarius worth now around US$4 million! As Benny was dying of cancer in 1974, he suggested that Fein work for his old pal, George Burns, whose career had seemed to drift after the death of his wife, Gracie Allen. When Fein became his personal manager, Burns’ career was rejuvenated and he went on to become an icon till his death in 1996 at the age of 100.

 

http://www.latimes.c...,0,231177.story

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCwd0DGTjpQ

[Guest thaiworthy]

. . . George Burns, whose career had seemed to drift after the death of his wife, Gracie Allen. When Fein became his personal manager, Burns’ career was rejuvenated and he went on to become an icon till his death in 1996 at the age of 100.

 

In my opinion George Burns' career really took off when he starred in "Oh God!" with John Denver.

[Guest fountainhall]

I think you are too young to have seen George Burns and Gracie Allen doing their TV shows. They were big, big stars.