Jack Benny - Fred Allen Feud

Jack Benny and Fred Allen were two of the biggest names in the world of Old Time Radio. They were both renowned comedians with their own popular shows and unique styles of humor. However, what made them particularly famous was the so-called "feud" that they staged for their audiences.

In reality, they were actually good friends in real life. They first met in the 1920s and remained friends until Fred Allen's death in 1956. However, they were both savvy enough to realize that their respective radio shows could benefit from some friendly rivalry!

The feud between them began in 1936 when Fred made a joke about Jack's popular program. Benny, in turn, responded with a joke about Allen's equally popular program on his own show. This was just the beginning of a long-running gag, with the two comedians taking playful jabs at each other on their respective shows over the next several years.

The premise of the feud was that Fred was envious of Jack's success and would do 

anything to undermine him. Jack Benny, on the other hand, was portrayed as arrogant and pompous, always eager to prove his superiority over Fred Allen. These comedic performances created a rivalry that became a staple of radio entertainment, drawing large audiences and capturing the public's attention.

The two comedians also appeared in a number of public events together, participating in mock debates, charity events, and other public appearances. Their parodies of each other's shows and characters became some of the most memorable moments of Old Time Radio history.

Despite the fake feud, Jack Benny and Fred Allen remained great friends, regularly appearing on each other's shows and supporting each other in their careers. Their friendly rivalry was all in good fun and helped them both increase their following and popularity.

Listen to hundreds of shows starring the two on RUSC, both in their own respective series, and in many other guest appearances.

Happy listening my friends,