Quotes and anectdotes from the wise to the foolish, and the courageous to the drunk

Henny Youngman Comedian

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: United States
  • Born: Mar 16, 1906
  • Died: Feb 24, 1998

Henry "Henny" Youngman was a British-born American comedian and violinist famous for his mastery of the "one-liner". His best known one-liner was "Take my wife...please".

In a time when many comedians told elaborate anecdotes, Youngman's routine consisted of telling simple one-liner jokes, occasionally with interludes of violin playing. These depicted simple, cartoon-like situations, eliminating lengthy build-ups and going straight to the punch line. He was known as "The King of the One Liners", a title conferred to him by columnist Walter Winchell. A stage performance by Youngman lasted only fifteen to twenty minutes but contained dozens of jokes in rapid-fire succession.

The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret. marriage

My dad was the town drunk. Most of the time that's not so bad but New York City? dad

When I told my doctor I couldn't afford an operation, he offered to touch-up my X-rays. medical

This man used to go to school with his dog. Then they were separated. His dog graduated! graduation

What's the use of happiness? It can't buy you money. happiness & money

I've been in love with the same woman for forty-one years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me. anniversary

If you're going to do something tonight that you'll be sorry for tomorrow morning, sleep late. funny & morning

She's been married so many times she has rice marks on her face. marriage

My brother was a lifeguard in a car wash. car

A self-taught man usually has a poor teacher and a worse student. teacher

I've got all the money I'll ever need, if I die by four o'clock. money

This man is frank and earnest with women. In Fresno, he's Frank and in Chicago he's Ernest. women

I once wanted to become an atheist, but I gave up - they have no holidays. Christmas

Just got back from a pleasure trip: I took my mother-in-law to the airport. travel

If at first you don't succeed... so much for skydiving. funny

I played a great horse yesterday! It took seven horses to beat him. great