George Burns was an American comedian, actor, and writer. He began his career as a child performer in vaudeville and later transitioned from stage to screen and radio. He found fame alongside his wife, Gracie Allen, with whom he starred in The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show from 1932 to 1950. Burns was renowned for his signature cigar and for sharing the stage with icons such as Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Fred Astaire. His performance in The Sunshine Boys (1975) earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.