A topnotch Las Vegas comedian known for his fast, irreverent and funny patter, he was once praised by the late great Fred Allen as "one of the outstanding comedians of the century."
Appeared on Broadway in "Call Me Mister," "Top Banana" and "Mr. Wonderful."
Attended New Utrecht High School and served in the entertainment division of the Army Air Corps during WWII.
Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. Pg. 97-98. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387.
Has a son, Michael, by ex-wife/singer Paula Stewart.
He was given a shot at hosting "The Texaco Star Theater" in the summer of 1948. Although it's known today as "The Buick-Berle Show" (1948), NBC decided to test emcees throughout that summer. Jack rotated with Henny Youngman, Georgie Price, Harry Richman, Morey Amsterdam, and Peter Donald. After audience testing, Berle landed the permanent title in September, 1948 and the rest is history.
Hit television prominence in 1949 as the host of "Cavalcade of Stars" (1949).
Hosted the very first televised Tony awards.