They made us LAUGH: Part I Trivia Quiz

Answer: Bob Hope

Bob Hope (1903-2003) was born in England but became known to us as an American comedian, actor, singer, dancer and author. His career spanned nearly 80 years and he hosted the Academy Awards show nineteen times. He was the author of 14 books and appeared in over 70 short and feature films.

The song "Thanks for the Memory" was widely regarded as his signature tune. He entertained US troops with 57 tours from 1941-1991.

Answer: Red Skelton

Red Skelton (1913-1997) was an American comedian and entertainer. He hosted his own show "The Red Skelton Show" for 20 years (1951-1971). Red Skelton always wanted to make people laugh and he wanted to be known as a clown. Red began producing artwork in 1943 and produced over 1,000 oil paintings of clowns. At one time it was estimated that his lithographs earned him $2.5 million per year. At the time of his death his originals were priced at $80,000 and above.

Answer: Phyllis Diller

Phyllis Diller (1917-2012) was an American stand-up comedienne and actress. She became known for her eccentricity on stage, her wild hair and clothes, plus her cackling laugh. She appeared on over 40 films and was one of the first female comics to become a household name in the USA.

Answer: Jack Benny

Jack Benny (1894-1974) was an American comedian, radio, TV and film actor plus being a violinist. He always claimed to be 39 years of age and he portrayed his character as being miserly and a bad violin player. He perfected the art of comic timing being able to cause laughter with a pause or single expression.

Answer: Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball (1911-1989) was an American actress, comedian, film studio producer and executive. She is best known for her self-produced TV shows particularly "I Love Lucy" (1951-1960). "I Love Lucy" became one of the most popular TV programs in television history. Lucille became the first female to run a major television studio in 1962 with Desilu Productions.

The studio produced the TV series "Mission: Impossible" and "Star Trek".

Answer: George Burns

George Burns (1896-1996) was an American comedian, actor, singer and writer. Together wife his wife, Gracie Allen they appeared on radio, television and in films as "Burns and Allen". His trademarks were his arched eyebrows and cigar smoking. At the age of 79 years he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the 1975 film "The Sunshine Boys".

Answer: Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett is an American actress, comedian, singer and writer. Her career spans over six decades and she had her own long running TV variety show, "The Carol Burnett Show" (1967-1978). The show combined comedy sketches with song and dance routines. She and her show won numerous Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.

Answer: Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis (1926-2017) was an American comedian, actor, singer, producer, director and screenwriter. He partnered Dean Martin from 1946-1956 and Jerry was known for his slap-stick comedy routines. He starred in films, nightclubs, TV shows, concerts and musicals. He hosted the live Labor Day week-end MDA telethon from 1966-2010.

Answer: Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers (1933-2014) was an American stand-up comedian, actress, writer, producer and TV host. She got her big break as a guest on the Johnny Carson "The Tonight Show" in 1965 and the show established her comic style. She later became the first female to host a late night talk show when she hosted in 1986 "The Late Show with Joan Rivers".

Answer: George Carlin

George Carlin (1937-2008) was an American stand-up comedian, actor, author and social critic. His "Seven Dirty Words" comedy routine became famous as "Seven Words You Can Never on Television". These were central to a U.S. Supreme Court case in 1978. He was a frequent guest and guest host on "The Tonight Show" during Johnny Carson's era on the show.