Robert Charles Benchley (September 15, 1889 – November 21, 1945) was an American humorist best known for his work as a newspaper columnist and film actor. From his beginnings at the
Harvard Lampoon while attending
Harvard University, through his many years writing essays and articles for
Vanity Fair and
The New Yorker and his acclaimed
short films, Benchley's style of humor brought him respect and success during his life, from New York City and his peers at the
Algonquin Round Table to contemporaries in the burgeoning film industry.