Quotes & anectdotes from the wise, the foolish, the courageous & the drunk

Henny Youngman Comedian

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: United States
  • Born: Mar 16, 1906
  • Died: Feb 24, 1998

Henry "Henny" Youngman was a British-born American comedian and violinist famous for his mastery of the "one-liner". His best known one-liner was "Take my wife...please".

In a time when many comedians told elaborate anecdotes, Youngman's routine consisted of telling simple one-liner jokes, occasionally with interludes of violin playing. These depicted simple, cartoon-like situations, eliminating lengthy build-ups and going straight to the punch line. He was known as "The King of the One Liners", a title conferred to him by columnist Walter Winchell. A stage performance by Youngman lasted only fifteen to twenty minutes but contained dozens of jokes in rapid-fire succession.

The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret. marriage

I've been in love with the same woman for forty-one years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me. anniversary

She's been married so many times she has rice marks on her face. marriage

My dad was the town drunk. Most of the time that's not so bad but New York City? fatherhood

When I told my doctor I couldn't afford an operation, he offered to touch-up my X-rays. medical

My brother was a lifeguard in a car wash. cars

I once wanted to become an atheist, but I gave up - they have no holidays. Christmas

I've got all the money I'll ever need, if I die by four o'clock. money

A self-taught man usually has a poor teacher and a worse student. teacher

If at first you don't succeed... so much for skydiving. being funny

This man used to go to school with his dog. Then they were separated. His dog graduated! graduation

If you're going to do something tonight that you'll be sorry for tomorrow morning, sleep late. being funny & morning

I played a great horse yesterday! It took seven horses to beat him. greatness

What's the use of happiness? It can't buy you money. happiness & money

This man is frank and earnest with women. In Fresno, he's Frank and in Chicago he's Ernest. women

Just got back from a pleasure trip: I took my mother-in-law to the airport. travel

St. Patrick's Day March 17, 2025

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Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy. 28 other quotes from William Butler Yeats

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Geographically, Ireland is a medium-sized rural island that is slowly but steadily being consumed by sheep. 27 other views from Dave Barry

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We have always found the Irish a bit odd. They refuse to be English. 74 quotes from Winston Churchill

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