Gone at 100: Comedian George Burns dies on this day in 1996
Published: March 9, 2024, 10:44 a.m.
On March 9, 1996, the legendary comedian George Burns died at his home in Beverly Hills, California. The comedian, known for his trademark cigar, passed away weeks after celebrating his 100th birthday.
\"I made my debut as a dramatic actor at 79, at 81 I played God (without makeup!) and now, at 84, I'm going to be a country singer,\" said the entertainer George Burns during his appearance at the Grand Ole Opry show at the Opry House on Sept. 13, 1980.
80then09 052After the Grand Ole Opry staff made entertainer George Burns, left, an honorary stagehand, host Roy Acuff, right, presents him with the symbol of that office, a gilt broom during his appearance at the Opry House Sept. 13, 1980. \"Please don't tell me what you want me to do with it,\" said BurnsComedian George Burns answer questions from the media during a press conference at the Holiday Inn Vanderbilt Oct. 30, 1979. Burns is in town to launch his new career as a country music singer. The next day he will record \"I Wish I Were 18 Again,\" by Sonny Throckmorton, and Tom T. Hall's \"The Mysteries of Life\" at Sound Stage Studios with Nashville's Jerry Kennedy producing.
79then10 075Metro Mayor Richard Fulton, left, and 82-year-old comedian George Burns appear to be having a smoke-off during a press conference at the Holiday Inn Vanderbilt on Oct. 30, 1979. Burns was in town to launch his new career as a country music singer.
79then10 07Ben Stiller appears next to a wax figure of George Burns as he presents the award for supporting actor in a comedy series during the 71st Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater.George Burns, right, is giving an interview after a press conference at the Holiday Inn Vanderbilt Oct. 30, 1979. Burns is in town to launch his new career as a country music singer.
79then10 07With Grand Ole Opry host Roy Acuff, left, and the audiences looking on, entertainer George Burns, right, makes his country music singing debut on the Opry show at the age of 84
