The Last First Comic

At age 102, comic Irving Benson stood alone as the oldest link to a uniquely American art form - Burlesque. For more than half a century, Irv was a "first comic." He was the contemporary of great funny-men like Abbott & Costello, Red Skelton, Phil Silvers, and Jackie Gleason. Benson headlines a cast of former Burlesque stars and theater historians as they uncover the roots of American comedy.At age 102, comic Irving Benson stood alone as the oldest link to a uniquely American art form - Burlesque. For more than half a century, Irv was a "first comic." He was the contemporary of great funny-men like Abbott & Cost... Read more