Ben Blue was a renowned movie and television comedian born on September 12, 1901, in the vibrant city of Montréal, Québec, Canada. With a passion for dance, he began his career as an instructor and school owner, as well as a nightclub proprietor, before transitioning to the film industry in 1926.
He initially worked on short subjects for Warner Brothers, and later collaborated with renowned studios such as Hal Roach, Paramount, and MGM. His impressive repertoire also included radio comedy, where he shared the spotlight with notable figures like Bob Hope.
In 1950, Blue launched his own television series, "The Ben Blue Show," and became a regular on "The Frank Sinatra Show." He continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, managing and performing in the nightclubs he owned in Hollywood and San Francisco.
Blue's remarkable career was celebrated with a special edition of "TVGuide" in 1954, featuring him alongside Alan Young. He made numerous appearances on popular television shows, including "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1956 and 1957, and "The Jack Benny Program" in 1960.
In 1958, Blue shot a pilot for the proposed CBS series "Ben Blue's Brothers," although it was not picked up for production. However, the pilot was later showcased in 1965. Following a brief retirement, Blue returned to the spotlight with a cameo appearance in Stanley Kramer's "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" in 1963.
He went on to make frequent cameo appearances in movie comedies and had a regular role on the short-lived TV series "Accidental Family" in 1967. Blue's last film appearance was in the Doris Day comedy "Where Were You When the Lights Went Out?" in 1968, and his final television appearance was on "Land of the Giants" in 1969.
Ben Blue passed away in 1975, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain audiences. His career papers, covering the years 1935 to 1955, are now housed in the Special Collections at the UCLA Library, serving as a testament to his remarkable life and career.
