Irving Fein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irving Fein
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| Born | June 21, 1911 |
| Died | August 10, 2012 (aged 101) Los Angeles, California, US
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Producer |
| Years active | 1940s–2000 |
| Spouse(s) | Florence Kohn (?–?; divorced), Marion Schecter (1969–2012) |
Irving Fein (June 21, 1911 – August 10, 2012) was an American television and film producer. He was also a famous manager for entertainers like Jack Benny and George Burns. He helped many stars become very successful.
Contents
Irving Fein's Life Story
Early Years and Education
Irving Fein was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 21, 1911. His father, Harry Fein, was a builder. Irving was a very smart student. He skipped three grades and finished elementary school when he was only twelve years old.
After high school at Erasmus Hall High School, he went to the University of Baltimore. Later, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin. During his summer breaks, he went to children's camps. This is where he first became interested in acting and writing.
Starting His Career
Irving Fein wrote several short stories early in his career. He then got a job in the publicity and advertising department at Warner Bros. in New York City. A publicist helps promote people or products.
While working, he also studied law at Brooklyn Law School at night. He earned his law degree. Warner Brothers offered him a job in their legal team. But Irving decided to move to California instead.
He started in the mailroom at Warner Brothers' California office. Soon, he joined their publicity department. He then moved to Columbia Pictures, where he earned more money. He worked as a publicist for major studios like Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Working with Jack Benny
In 1947, Irving Fein began working with the famous comedian Jack Benny. Fein became Benny's publicity and advertising director. Jack Benny's radio show was very popular. However, its ratings had dropped.
Six months after Fein joined, Benny's show was back at number one. Over the next nine years, Fein became Benny's manager and producer. He also handled all of Benny's public relations. Fein helped Jack Benny stay a top star for many years. Benny was popular on TV, in live shows, and performing with orchestras.
In 1956, CBS offered Fein a job as a vice president. He moved his family to New York City. But Jack Benny wanted only Fein as his manager. So, less than a year later, Fein returned to Hollywood. He became president of "J&M Productions," Jack Benny's company.
J&M Productions made many popular TV shows. These included Checkmate and Ichabod and Me. Fein was also the executive producer of Jack's weekly TV show. He continued this until the show ended in 1965. He also produced Benny's yearly NBC specials until Benny passed away in 1974.
Working with George Burns
Later in Jack Benny's life, Irving Fein started helping another famous comedian, George Burns. After George's wife, Gracie Allen, died, George struggled as a solo act. Fein became George's manager and producer. He helped turn George's career around.
Fein was very important in helping George Burns get a role in the movie The Sunshine Boys. This role earned George an Academy Award. This started another long friendship and business partnership. It lasted 22 years, until George Burns died.
Awards and Achievements
Irving Fein had a long and successful career. He won many awards. He earned an Emmy Award for one of the Jack Benny television shows he produced.
He also wrote several books. One of his books, "Jack Benny: An Intimate Biography," was a bestseller. In movies, Irving Fein produced or co-produced several films starring George Burns. Fein was remembered in the "In Memoriam" section of the Primetime Emmys in 2012.
Personal Life
Irving Fein was first married to Florence Kohn. They had two children: Tisha Fein, who became a television producer, and Michael Fein, who became a doctor. In 1969, he married Marion Schechter. He also had a stepson, Dan Schechter.
Irving Fein passed away on August 10, 2012. He was 101 years old. He died from heart failure. Fein was buried in Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery.
