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

Robert Benchley Humorist

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: United States
  • Born: Sep 15, 1889
  • Died: Nov 21, 1945

Robert Charles Benchley was an American humorist best known for his work as a newspaper columnist and film 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 New York City and his peers at the Algonquin Round Table to contemporaries in the burgeoning film industry.

Benchley is best remembered for his contributions to The New Yorker, where his essays, whether topical or absurdist, influenced many modern humorists. He also made a name for himself in Hollywood, when his short film How to Sleep was a popular success and won Best Short Subject at the 1935 Academy Awards, and through his many memorable appearances in films such as Alfred Hitchcock's Foreign Correspondent and Nice Girl?. His legacy includes written work and numerous short film appearances.

Why don't you get out of that wet coat and into a dry martini? funny

I know I'm drinking myself to a slow death, but then I'm in no hurry. death

In America there are two classes of travel - first class, and with children. travel

It took me fifteen years to discover I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up because by that time I was too famous. famous

A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down. pet

Drawing on my fine command of the English language, I said nothing. funny

A real hangover is nothing to try out family remedies on. The only cure for a real hangover is death. death & family

I have tried to know absolutely nothing about a great many things, and I have succeeded fairly well. funny & great

Tell us your phobias and we will tell you what you are afraid of. funny

There seems to be no lengths to which humorless people will not go to analyze humor. It seems to worry them. humor