Initially, Rochester’s character was typical of those given to African-American actors, that of a subservient butler. Rochester was Benny’s on-air valet (although some listeners assumed that this relationship carried on off-air as well). As Benny adopted the persona of a cheapskate curmudgeon, Livingstone became the foil for these undesirable traits.Įddie Anderson played Rochester. As the character of Jack Benny developed, so to would Livingstone’s. On the show, Mary was initially a star-struck fan who recited poetry and read letters from her mother in Plainfield, New Jersey.
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Livingstone and Benny married after a series of chance meetings. Livingstone was Benny’s wife and had been a part of Benny’s vaudeville routine for a number of years. Sadye Marks played Mary Livingstone (and later took this name as her own). Given the show’s longevity there was some turnover but many of the characters existed for much of the show’s run. The Cast of The Jack Benny ProgramĪlthough Jack Benny was the star of the show, he had a fine supporting cast that played off his character perfectly. Despite the difficulty retaining sponsors, its popularity continued to grow and, by 1937, the show’s cast had been stabilized. After being cut by Canada Dry, the show would quickly rebound with Chevrolet and then General Tire. Although Canada Dry didn’t appreciate it, future incarnations of the show would continue this tradition. This early version of The Jack Benny Program was cancelled in 1933 after Benny began to poke fun at the sponsors. This early show was largely musical, with Benny’s comedy skits providing breaks between musical numbers like Doin’ the Racoon and The Varsity Drag. However, the fame he achieved through his vaudeville performances led to his being asked to appear on Ed Sullivan’s gossip and interview show (a precursor to Sullivan’s television show).His appearance on this show led to Canada Dry offering him a show of his own which took to the airwaves in May 1932. Jack Benny started his career on the vaudeville circuit and, initially, had little interest in a radio career.
It is considered by many to have been THE show (along with Fibber McGee and Molly and Amos ‘n Andy) that launched radio into its golden age.
Calling The Jack Benny Program a radio show is more than an understatement.
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