With a cigar always between his fingers and an eyebrow arched in complicity, George Burns was an American comedian, actor and writer whose career crossed vaudeville, radio, film and television across three-quarters of a century. With his wife Gracie Allen he formed one of North America's most famous comic duos. At seventy-nine he revived his career by winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for 'The Sunshine Boys' (1975), replacing his friend Jack Benny. That triumph opened a second artistic life: he played the Almighty himself in 'Oh, God!' (1977) and its sequels. He worked almost until his death, reached at the age of one hundred. His dry, unhurried and self-mocking humor made him a symbol of longevity and comic elegance. Read more