George Burns Bio: Age, Net Worth, Gracie Allen, Movies, Career, Wife, Kids, Legacy, Songs, Albums

Nathan Birnbaum also known as George Burns is a legendary American comedian, actor, writer, and singer celebrated for his dry wit, gravelly voice, signature cigar, and arched eyebrow.

With a career spanning over 90 years from vaudeville to radio, film, and television, he entertained generations and became an enduring icon of American comedy.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Nathan Birnbaum
• Stage Name: George Burns
• Born: January 20, 1896
• Age: 100 years old
• Died: March 9, 1996
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Jewish
• Occupation: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Singer, Television Host
• Height: Unknown
• Religion: Judaism
• Parents: Louis “Lipa” Birnbaum and Hadassah “Dora” Birnbaum (née Bluth)
• Siblings: William Burns, Izzy Birnbaum
• Spouse: Gracie Allen
• Children: Ronnie Burns, Sandra Burns
• Relationship: Married (widower)
• Net Worth: $20 million USD

Early Life and Education

George Burns was born on January 20, 1896, in New York City, to Jewish immigrant parents Louis “Lipa” Birnbaum and Hadassah “Dora” Birnbaum (née Bluth). Raised in a modest Orthodox Jewish household as the ninth of twelve children, he faced hardship when his father died during the 1903 influenza epidemic at age 47.

Young Nathan, nicknamed Nattie, left school after fourth grade to help support the family by shining shoes, running errands, and selling newspapers. He developed a passion for entertainment early, performing as a singer in the Pee Wee Quartet at age seven. His ethnicity is Jewish, and his religion is Judaism.

Career

George Burns began in vaudeville as a child performer and struggled for years with various partners until teaming with Gracie Allen in 1923. Their act, with Burns as the straight man to Allen‘s zany character, became a sensation in vaudeville, radio from 1932, and film in the 1930s.

They starred in The Burns and Allen Show on radio and later on television from 1950 to 1958. After Gracie‘s death in 1964, Burns continued solo, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in The Sunshine Boys (1975) at age 80.

He starred in the Oh, God! film series (1977, 1980, 1984) and other hits like Going in Style (1979). Known for his ever-present cigar, he worked until nearly 100, authoring books and hosting specials. His long career made him one of entertainment’s most enduring figures.

Social Media

• George Burns does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

George Burns passed away on March 9, 1996, at the age of 100 and his height was 5 feet 7 inches. He was briefly married to Hannah Siegel from 1917 to 1918. He then married Gracie Allen in 1926, whom he met around 1923, and they remained together until her death in 1964. The couple adopted two children. No other significant past relationships are widely documented.

He remained a widower and continued performing while cherishing memories of Gracie.

Net Worth

George Burns‘s net worth is estimated at $20 million USD at the time of his death in 1996. He earned income through decades of vaudeville performances, radio and television shows, hit films, book sales, production work, and nightclub appearances.

Filmography

• The Burns and Allen Show (radio and television series)
• The Sunshine Boys (1975)
• Oh, God! (1977)
• Oh, God! Book II (1980)
• Oh, God! You Devil (1984)
• Going in Style (1979)
• A Damsel in Distress (1937)
• Various vaudeville acts and short films with Gracie Allen