DUFFY HUDSON AS SHOW BIZ LEGEND GEORGE BURNS AT LIBRARY ON 1/16

The Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library, the South Pasadena Public Library, and the South Pasadena Community Services Department will showcase acclaimed actor Duffy Hudson portraying George Burns on Thursday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room.  Hudson’s one-man shows have been performed to enthusiastic audiences around the nation. The free performance will serve as the entertainment highlight of the Friends Annual Meeting.  After a very brief meeting of Friends business, during which they will approve their 2014 Officers and Budget, the focus will shift to show biz legend George Burns (1896-1996).  

In the course of George Burns’ incredible career he became an American icon, especially after he won the “Best Supporting Actor” Academy Award at age 90. George started in vaudeville as a singer, roller skater, dancer, and comedian before forming a comedy partnership with Gracie Allen three years before they were married in 1926. The duo reigned as radio stars from 1932-1950. Then they moved to television with “The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show” which ran from 1950-58. They played versions of themselves, an entertainment industry couple in Beverly Hills. George served as straight man while Gracie got all the laughs. The program was sophisticated and playful and utilized linguistic rather than physical or mean-spirited humor.    

After Gracie died in 1964, George’s career had few highlights until he was given the part that was originally offered to Jack Benny, his recently deceased close friend. The resounding success of Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys” led to other film work, including George’s unforgettable portrayal of the almighty in no less than three enormously popular “Oh God!” pictures. Then came several TV specials, and a few popular memoirs, all of which demonstrated the perfect timing for which George Burns was known.  George’s career capper was his chart topping book, “100 Years, 100 Stories.” 

After college Duffy Hudson attended the Circle in the Square Theater School on Broadway. He later appeared both on and off Broadway in dozens of productions. Hudson has appeared in more than 50 TV commercials and many feature films including “Tattered Angel,” “The Greater Good,” and “Skin Complex.” Duffy has directed over 300 theatrical pieces while working alongside the likes of Brooke Shields, Jessica Lange, Don Johnson, Tatum O’Neal, and Marlo Thomas. He currently tours the country performing as Edgar Allan Poe, Albert Einstein, and Dr. Seuss, and others. 

The Library Community Room is located at 1115 El Centro Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and no tickets or reservations are necessary. Refreshments will be served.