Photo in newspaper - Comedian Jack Benny pretends to play the bagpipes of Sergeant William Lamont of the Seaforth of Canada. Lamont played them on Benny's broadcast from the Forum Newspaper photo clipping from 24 April 1944. Jack Benny (born Benjamin Kubelsky; February 14, 1894 – December 26, 1974) was an American comedian, vaudevillian, radio, television, and film actor, and violinist. Recognized as a leading American entertainer of the 20th century, Benny portrayed his character as a miser, playing his violin badly. In character, he would be 39 years of age, regardless of his actual age.. Benny's wife Mary Livingston was raised in Vancouver, BC.