Comedian and actor, born in New York City, NY. He made his debut at the age of 13 as a singer, later performing as a dancer, skater, and comic. In 1923 he teamed up with Gracie Allen (1905--64) and they became a husband and wife comedy duo popular in the United States for more than three decades in vaudeville, radio, films, and television. He later co-starred in the film The Sunshine Boys (1975), for which he received an Oscar. Well known for his omnipresent cigar, dry wit, and comic timing, other films included Oh God (1977), Going in Style (1979), and Oh God! You Devil (1984).