Robert Benchley | |
|---|---|
 Benchley photographed for Vanity Fair | |
| Born | Robert Charles Benchley September 15, 1889 Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | November 21, 1945 (aged 56) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Writer, critic, actor, film director |
| Genre | Deadpan, Parody, Surreal humour |
| Years active | 1910s-1945 |
| Spouse |
Gertrude Darling (m. 1914) |
| Children | 2, including Nathaniel |
| Relatives | Peter Benchley and Nat Benchley (grandsons) |
Robert Charles Benchley (September 15, 1889 – November 21, 1945) was an American humorist best known for his work as a newspaper columnist and movie 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 remembered best for his contributions to the magazine The New Yorker; his essays for that publication, whether topical or absurdist, influenced many modern humorists. He also made a name for himself in Hollywood, when his short movie 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 movies such as Alfred Hitchcock's Foreign Correspondent (1940) and Nice Girl? (1941). Also, Benchley appeared as himself in Walt Disney's behind the scenes movie, The Reluctant Dragon (1941). His legacy includes written work and numerous short movie appearances.