Robert Charles Benchley (1889 - 1945)

Born 15 Sep 1889 in Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Gertrude (Darling) Benchley — married 6 Jun 1914 in Worcester in Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA

Descendants

Died 21 Nov 1945 at age 56 in New York City, New York, United States

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Biography

Robert Benchley is Notable.

Wikidata: Item Q1790472

Robert Charles Benchley (September 15, 1889 – November 21, 1945) 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.

Robert Benchley was born on September 15, 1889 in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Charles and Maria Benchley.

He was the great-grandchild of the founder of Benchley, Texas, Henry Wetherby Benchley, who was jailed for his help with the Underground Railroad.

Robert Benchley met Gertrude Darling in high school in Worcester. They became engaged during his senior year at Harvard, and they married in June 1914.[5] Their first child, Nathaniel Benchley, was born a year later. A second son, Robert Benchley, Jr., was born in 1919.

Benchley died in a New York hospital on November 21, 1945.

Sources

• Robert Benchley's entry on Wikipedia [1].

• Robert Benchley's IMDB entry [2].

• Robert Benchley papers, 1920-1956, held by the Billy Rose Theatre Division, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

• Marriages Registered in the City of Worcester in Worcester Co., Massachusetts, Page 32 (602), No. 564. .

• Find A Grave: Memorial #78

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

Thanks to K E for creating Benchley-57 on 19 Sep 2014.

Thanks to David McNally for adopting Benchley-57 on 19 Jul 2015.

Click the Changes tab for the details of contributions by K E, Dave and others.