Ben Blue was an American actor known for his work in movies and television, particularly as a comedian. He gained fame through various films and TV shows, including “The Big Broadcast of 1938,” “The Ben Blue Show,” and “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World.”
Personal and Family Life
Born Benjamin Bernstein on September 12, 1901, in Montréal, Québec, Canada, Ben Blue moved to the United States where he found success as a dance instructor and nightclub owner. He was married twice; first to Mary, with whom he had one child, and later to Dixie Dunlap, with whom he had two sons, Tom and Robert. Dixie was a performer, known for her work in “Scandals.” Blue’s father was David Asher Bernstein and his mother was Sadie Goldberg.
Career Highlights
Ben Blue began his film career in 1926 with Warner Brothers, subsequently working with Hal Roach Studios, Paramount, and MGM. He transitioned to television in the 1950s, hosting “The Ben Blue Show” and making appearances on various shows including “The Frank Sinatra Show.” Although he started to focus on managing his nightclubs, he returned to acting with cameo roles in films, marking a successful comedy career that spanned several decades.
Death and Legacy
Ben Blue passed away on March 7, 1975, in Hollywood, California. He left behind a legacy in comedy, with his papers from 1935 to 1955 archived at the UCLA Library. He is remembered for his unique contributions to both film and television, as well as his vibrant nightclub performances.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A Guide for the Married Man | 1967-05-25 | Technical Adviser (Shoeless) |
| It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World | 1963-11-07 | Biplane Pilot |
| The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming! | 1966-05-25 | Luther Grilk |
| For Me and My Gal | 1942-10-21 | Sid Simms |
| The Busy Body | 1967-03-12 | Felix Rose |