Origins & Early Life

George Burns (born Nathan Birnbaum; January 20, 1896 – March 9, 1996) was an American comedian, actor, writer, and singer, and one of the few entertainers whose career successfully spanned vaudeville, radio, film, and television. His arched eyebrow and cigar-smoke punctuation became familiar trademarks. He and his wife Gracie Allen appeared on radio, television and film as the comedy duo Burns and Allen. At age 79, Burns experienced a sudden career revival as an amiable, beloved, and unusually active comedy elder statesman in the 1975 film The Sunshine Boys, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

George Burns was born Nathan Birnbaum (Hebrew: נתן בירנבוים) on January 20, 1896, in New York City, the ninth of 12 children born to Hadassah "Dorah" (née Bluth; Hebrew: הדסה בלוט בירנבוים; 1857–1927) and Eliezer Birnbaum (Hebrew: אליעזר בירנבוים; 1855–1903), known as Louis or Lippa, Jewish immigrants who had come to the United States from Ropczyce, Galicia, now Poland. Burns was a member of the First Roumanian-American Congregation. His father was a substitute cantor at the local synagogue but usually worked as a coat presser. During the influenza epidemic...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada — Contemporary (Born in 1896) (1896): Pioneering global spread of Krishna consciousness teachings and the Hare Krishna mantra.
• Alfred Nobel — Contemporary (Died in 1896) (1896): Pioneering chemist, inventor of dynamite, and founder of the Nobel Prizes.
• Amelia Dyer — Contemporary (Died in 1896) (1896): British serial killer, dubbed the Ogress of Reading, known for murdering infants.
• 6ix9ine — Contemporary (Born in 1996) (1996): American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
• A'ja Wilson — Contemporary (Born in 1996) (1996): Elite American WNBA star known for multiple MVP awards and championship success.
• Abdus Salam — Contemporary (Died in 1996) (1996): Pioneering Pakistani theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate.
• Abdul Ghaffar Khan — Shared historical date (01-20 · Died) (1988): Pioneering nonviolent activist, founder of Khudai Khidmatgar, and advocate for Hindu-Muslim unity.
• Adam Oehlenschläger — Shared historical date (01-20 · Died) (1850): Pioneering Danish Romantic poet and playwright who shaped national literature.
• Alexandra Kollontai — Shared historical date (03-09 · Died) (1952): Pioneering Marxist feminist, diplomat, and Bolshevik leader in early Soviet history.
• Aloysius Gonzaga — Shared historical date (03-09 · Born) (1568): Italian Jesuit seminarian and saint, known for his aristocratic background and early death.
• 1896 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1896
• January 20 (01-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 20
• 1996 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1996
• March 9 (03-09) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 9