You Gotta Have a Gimmick I Trivia Quiz

Answer: Jack Benny

Jack Benny was a famous American comedian known for his deadpan humor and his signature catchphrase, "Well!" He used this catchphrase as a comedic pause during his performances, often in response to a joke or a humorous situation. Benny's career spanned over five decades, and he was one of the most popular and influential comedians of his time.

He was also known for his radio and television shows, where he played a fictionalized version of himself as a miserly and vain character. Benny's legacy continues to influence modern comedy, and his catchphrase "Well!" remains a recognizable part of his comedic persona.

Answer: Morey Amsterdam

Morey Amsterdam's gimmick was playing the cello during his stand-up comedy routines. Amsterdam was a multi-talented performer, known for his work as a comedian, actor, and writer. He is best known for his role as Buddy Sorrell on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." However, before his acting career took off, Amsterdam was a successful comedian and musician, performing in vaudeville and on radio shows.

His cello playing added a unique element to his comedy act and helped him stand out in a crowded field of comedians.

Answer: Rodney Dangerfield

Rodney Dangerfield was a beloved American stand-up comedian and actor known for his self-deprecating humor and catchphrase, "I don't get no respect." He began his career in the 1960s and gained popularity in the 1980s with appearances in films such as "Caddyshack" and "Back to School." Despite his success, Dangerfield struggled with depression and addiction throughout his life.

He passed away in 2004, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest comedians of all time.

Answer: Phyllis Diller

Phyllis Diller, the American stand-up comedian, actress, and author, was known for her eccentric stage persona, which included wild hair, outlandish clothing, and a distinctive cackle. She was married to a man named Fang, who was often the subject of her jokes and comedic routines.

Despite the fictional nature of Fang, Diller's husband in real life was named Sherwood Diller. Diller was a trailblazer for female comedians and paved the way for many women in the industry.

Answer: Oliver Hardy

Oliver Hardy is best known as one half of the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. Together, they made over 100 films and are considered one of the greatest comedy teams in history. Hardy's catchphrase, "That's another nice mess you got me into," is one of the most famous lines from their films.

Interestingly, the phrase is often misquoted as "That's another fine mess you got me into," but the correct wording is "nice mess." Despite their success, Laurel and Hardy never won an Academy Award for their work together.

Answer: Jim Nabors

Jim Nabors is the comedian behind the catch phrase 'Goooolly!' which he popularized during his time as Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show. Nabors' character was known for his naivety and Southern drawl, which made his catch phrase all the more endearing to audiences. Nabors went on to star in his own spin-off series, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., and continued to use the catch phrase throughout the show's run.

Despite his success as an actor, Nabors was also an accomplished singer and recorded numerous albums throughout his career.

Answer: George Burns

George Burns was a legendary American comedian who was known for his trademark cigar. He started smoking cigars when he was a teenager and continued to do so until his death at the age of 100. Burns was one of the most successful and beloved comedians of his time, and his career spanned over nine decades.

He was also an accomplished actor, writer, and producer, and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the movie "The Sunshine Boys". Burns' cigar became such an iconic part of his persona that he even named his memoir "Gracie: A Love Story" after his wife and comedy partner, Gracie Allen.

Answer: Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball was not only a famous comedian, but also a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry. She was the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions, which produced shows like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. Ball's iconic red hair was actually a result of her experimenting with henna rinses early in her career.

She eventually dyed her hair red permanently and it became one of her signature features.

Answer: Henny Youngman

Henny Youngman was a famous American comedian and violinist known for his one-liners, including the catchphrase "Take my wife-please!" He was a regular performer on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Youngman was also known for his love of playing the violin, which he often incorporated into his comedy routines.

He was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 for his talent as a musician.

Answer: Ed Wynn

Ed Wynn, a comedian and actor from the early 20th century, was known for his high-pitched, silly laugh. He began his career in vaudeville and later transitioned to film and television, where he often played eccentric characters. Wynn's unique laugh became a trademark of his comedic style and helped him stand out among other comedians of his time.

Despite his success, Wynn struggled with depression and alcoholism throughout his life.