Comedy is centuries old. In Medieval Times monarchs were entertained by court jesters. Melodramas provided boredom and stress relief for the pioneers of America’s West. The Nineteenth Century brought vaudeville and burlesque and entertainment jobs for many early comedians. Many of these passed on to their children their comedic skills. These 20th Century comedians are the subject of this book. They moved from burlesque and vaudeville to radio, Broadway, films, and some into television. Some remained “full-time” comedians and some chose serious acting roles at times.

Comedy is centuries old. In Medieval Times monarchs were entertained by court jesters. Melodramas provided boredom and stress relief for the pioneers of America's West. The Nineteenth Century brought vaudeville and burlesque and entertainment jobs for many early comedians. Many of these passed on to their children their comedic skills. These 20th Century comedians are the subject of this book. They moved from burlesque and vaudeville to radio, Broadway, films, and some into television. Some remained "full-time" comedians and some chose serious acting roles at times.