Grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she graduated from King George High School. She claims to have first seen future husband and comedy partner Jack Benny perform at the city's famed Orpheum Theatre during the vaudeville days. Benny toured extensively and played the Orpheum often before hitting it big in radio, and finally television.
Retired from show business in 1958, after friend and fellow actor
Gracie Allen retired (due to heart disease).
Had worked as a department-store clerk before marrying Jack Benny; fellow
celebrities sometimes put her in her place by asking her opinion on
imaginary clothes.
Developed stage fright late in her career. Frequent illnesses were used
to explain her absence. Eventually, her lines were recorded and dubbed
onto the live recording later.
First appeared on Jack Benny's radio show playing the president of his fan
club.