GEORGE BURNS - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 281465

GEORGE BURNS
Photo of actors George Burns and Jack Oakie in tuxes and Gracie Allen in an evening gown, signed with Burns' "Best" in red ink
Photograph signed "Best/George Burns" in red ink. Typed notations on verso. B/w sepia-toned, 7¾x10 overall, 7¼x9¼ image, one surface. ©1934 Paramount Productions, Inc. Burns is shown with longtime partner Gracie Allen and actor Jack Oakie. According to the notations on verso, this was taken at a party given in honor of Gary Cooper and his new wife Sandra Shaw. Burns (1896-1996, born Nathan Birnbaum in New York City), the star of vaudeville, radio, television and motion pictures, co-starred with his wife Gracie Allen until her retirement in 1958(she died in 1964), then continued performing in television, theater and nightclubs as a solo act. When he returned to films in 1975 after a 30-year hiatus, Burns won the 1975 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in The Sunshine Boys. He later starred in the title role in Oh, God!(1977) and appeared in Going in Style (1979) and 18 Again! (1988). The comedian, who was honored in television specials celebrating his 90th and 95th birthdays, also wrote Gracie, A Love Story (1988) and 100 Years, 100 Stories (1996). He died in 1996 at the age of 100. Lightly toned, cracked, creased and bowed. Light tear at bottom edge. Lightly rounded, worn and creased corners. Missing top right corner. Light tear at bottom edge. Light chipping and impression in bottom right corner. Lightly soiled on verso. Otherwise in fine condition.