Remembering Bennett Cerf on the anniversary of his passing.

[@Rollo-lq9jq]

JUST PURE CLASS!!!! Those days are regrettably long gone, if anyone calls what we have now progress it is not, we are regressing into a chasm that we may never be able to climb out of, just plain scary times. Been binge watching these old WML's!!! Hope you are resting in piece and not spinning in your grave!

[@johnloudaros800]

What an intelligent, brilliant and well spoken man. They don't make him like this anymore. I love watching WML on you tube. Such respect and clean entertainment. Rest in peace Bennett

[@20alphabet]

Lol, hardly. He was a boar. He bailed like a scared little girl when Dorothy was killed.

[@dejpsyd0421]

He was the best…and I’m only seeing him now some 50 years after the show have I seen, laughed, enjoyed his intelligent wit, gotten to know and love him!

[@KeatShadows]

We all loved Bennett Cerf on What's My Line. I watch lots of reruns of What's My Line. The panel members and the host are all top-notch. They have all passed on and are greatly missed. Thank you KZbin for the reruns.

[@Lava1964]

WML is a terrific glimpse into what TV and America once was and how sadly irretrievable it is. All the WML regulars have passed away, of course, but a few guest panelists are still with us.

[@David-yw2lv]

Rest in peace,Mr.Cerf

[@pfoneil67]

Bennett Cerf was a man of class and grace. The very things we are missing today.

[@tonimasson3226]

I love Bennett Cerf…. And WML. I still watch reruns to this day.

[@rafaelramirez1507]

Me personally (and though I'm young )I love this gentleman (Bennett Cerf), something about his smile that makes his eyes shine so gracefully .... R.I.P. Bennett Cerf 🌟 🙏

[@skyavalanche]

Classy, just like Bennett, and no doubt created straight from the ❤️

[@richardblayneamerican8149]

I was just a kid when I watched 'What's My Line', but I remember Bennett so well. I was surprised, about that time, when I found-and enjoyed-a children's book in my school's library by Mr. Cerf. Thanks for the memories, Bennett, and the 'WML' cast!

[@asteverino8569]

Well, you can't take away my memories from me either. Mr Cerf, I salute you.

[@bigd4746]

Very nice tribute. I have been binge watching all the WML shows and have really enjoyed them.

[@susanford2388]

If I may, I too did that a few years ago & positively fell in love with an episode from 1953 with Rosalind Russell. She was hysterical & Daly played along.

[@sheajane7669]

Me too .. on Thanksgiving Day!. I've never seen them. I was a child when this was on.

[@Prionel]

Lovely tribute to a lovely, very witty man. RIP Bennett Cerf and thanks for the memories.

[@julieb737]

I’m 50 and in the U.K. so wasn’t around To see WML but found it on KZbin a few months ago and watch a few episodes every day . Mr Cerf along with Mr Daly were fantastic together and made it a wonderful show of family entertainment with Dorothy and Arlene . Beautiful tribute .

[@tkzip8891]

I've been watching WML episodes chronologically over the past year (currently in year 15) as a way to escape back to a time when life wasn't completely stupid. Bennett is/was my favorite personality on the show. I love hearing his opening "jokes". Thanks for the tribute!

[@buddamberg6242]

Brilliantly done and a great tribute to Bennett, he was a hit with "dad jokes" before they became popular. I watch What's My Line all the time on KZbin and have shared it with my kids who all enjoy watching it too.

[@boblevine9069]

I worked for Random House for a while in the 60's but never got to meet him, except on Sunday night on WML. I was able to buy first edition books at deep employee discounts Michener, Capote and others. The Modern Library series of classics helped lower the burden of buying college literature. BC was truly a class act.

[@neilmidkiff]

Made with lots and lots of love. Thanks so much for creating this!

[@angelinadiana]

Thanks for saying that … isn’t it interesting to love someone you never met …. It’s the magic of Bennett Cerf !

[@neilmidkiff]

@@angelinadiana I knew of him first when I was a boy from his columns in the Sunday newspaper's magazine section and from his books of jokes and anecdotes. When I found the WML shows on KZbin, he turned out to be just as I had expected from his writing.

[@wmadamzzz]

I so remember growing and my parents would allow me to stay up a little later to watch What's My Line, with Bennet, Arlene, Dorothy and all the others who were on the panel. Thanks for sharing!!

[@kathyfrew7282]

Brought to my heart tears of love and many memories.

[@tugginalong]

He was quite an accomplished man and he was a hard working man as was most of the panel, Arlene, Martin Gable, Dorothy, & Steve Allen to name a few. I’ve watched so many episodes of WML, that it seems like I know him. He provided many great memories for the viewers.

[@andyeaston8391]

Well he clearly was a smart and loving man. God bless him.

[@plutoplutoan4734]

Gosh he was so handsome as a young man. RIP Mr Cerf.

[@thomasthompson6378]

Oh, let's just face it, he was handsome as an old man, too.

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

What's My Line. I am still watching those incredible people as if the Show is still on the air. THANK YOU.

[@hollyidrucker6897]

Wonderful tribute!

[@EuropopTop]

What a lovely tribute.We watch all the Whats my line reruns. What a great bunch of people.

[@karenleemallonee684]

That was marvelous!🌹

[@gameshowfan84]

He was always my favorite panelist on "What's My Line"...Loved the corny jokes and banter with John. RIP

[@thomasthompson6378]

Bennett would have loved this. He's much missed by us all. Many thanks to whoever put this tribute together -- it's wonderful.

[@angelinadiana]

Thank you :) I enjoyed making it ! I am a big fan Of Bennett Cerf’s . I so wish I could have met him

[@zovalentine7305]

Rest in powerful peace Bennett Alfred Cerf🙏 25 May 1898 ~ 27 August 1971⚘

[@deedeeluelf1304]

Had to believe he’s been gone o er 51 years. I always enjoyed him on elm and I’m watching returns on u- tube

[@CdnGeoff]

A great life well lived!!

[@sheldonsegal1900]

Yes Bennett Cerf was a very intelligent man To you Bennett Cerf will be always be in our hearts and God bless you Bennett Cerf

[@SueProv]

I really enjoyed Bennet and Arlene. Definitely John and Dorothy. This is such a favorite song of mine. Ii was born in the 60s so I have no memory of this. But as a person who loves history and old Hollywood, it's a treasue especially during the pandemic. This was an excellent tribute. Thanks so much.

[@susanford2388]

I so agree. I was so sad to learn of Dorothy Kilgallen's early demise. Both her sister & father lived well into their 90's so evidently her life was cut short by at least 4 decades. They were all, in the words of Arlene, Darling.

[@joycejean-baptiste4355]

Green Eggs and Ham, was my daughter's first story book I only just found out it was published by Random House. I only found that out from watching WML. My daughter is 48 years old and loved that book. It says volumes about Mr. Cerf's personality. He got good reads to everyone.

[@jek9911]

In the 1970s I had to write a lot of book reports, which included a line to identify the publisher. For some reason all the books I chose were published by Random House.

[@TnseWlms]

Random House published a series of about 50 easy readers, hosted by the Cat in the Hat, called Beginner Books. Many Generation Xers and baby boomers were introduced to reading through this series, that included Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Put Me in the Zoo, and of course The Cat in the Hat and its sequel. The series included three books of laughs and riddles (with the Big Red Rock Eater), authored by Bennett Cerf. The series also included Babar Loses His Crown, which is how many Generation Xers were first introduced to Paris and the world of Babar.

[@arneb3818]

Thanks for the memories of a different times and witty man.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Bennett Cerf recorded a long series of interviews with his alma mater, Columbia U, in 1967. It was an oral autobiography, not going very deep (Cerf was not given to introspection) but memorializing his time. His place as publisher and performer was at the center of New York society and cultural life since the Twenties began to roar, when America was becoming the center of the world. The transcript is on the internet. Cerf admitted he had been affluent and lucky all his days, but he made the most of his good fortune. He and Donald Klopfer started Random House with $250,000 and sold out to RCA 40 years later for $45 million. Never had to put another nickel into it. Cerf admired Jack Benny, and his TV persona seemed to owe something to that, though Cerf was no deadpan. He was a sunny guy with just a streak of malice, when he sounds a little like Truman Capote. He got along with almost everybody- even the dour Richard Rodgers. He was a gladhander like most successful book magnates, and when he told a joke he would dodge his head to one side at the payoff as if inviting laughter.

[@johncook8720]

I remember Bennett (as do a lot of us) from WML growimg up. He certainly was an accomplished gentleman, he (as imdeed WML itself) was of a different age, but total quality entertainment that we all could sit down n watch - and did. Its a shame, to a large degree you mention Bennett Cerf to ppl today, theyd have no idea who youre talkimg about. A wonderdul man, and a very fine tribute.

[@angelinadiana]

Yes and there is an audio version of this but you need to be an alumni to get the Audio. I have read it and absolutely love this man . His son, Christopher, writes in AT RANDOM, someone referred to his dad as a life enhancer. I believe it …. I never had the honor of meeting him … but … his work has certainly enhanced me life

[@pammilner7161]

Lovely tribute!

[@djhrecordhound4391]

How nice of you to go Cerfing for our Bennettfit like this!!!! 😉 (Sweet tribute!)

[@mariawinter2535]

I absolutely love Memory Lane. She is always so gentle & kind. Thank you for sharing 🥰

[@susanslack6347]

I didn't know about him till I was in my 60s..I miss them all..

[@perrymalcolm3802]

Arguably the most loveable personality ever!! Such a kind, sweet soul! ❤❤❤❤

[@johanbrand8601]

Thank you for this tribute.

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

Wow! That was spectacular!!

[@janfromnycsavesmoney8723]

This was great! Loved Bennett Cerf!

[@susanslack6347]

He was a happy person.. happily married to the same lady for a very long time till his death..rest in peace..see you in heaven

[@IngridRollema]

Absolutely lovely. ❤️

[@allenjones3130]

One of the best game-show panelists of all time.

[@jamesfox2579]

He was a very brilliant man!

[@20alphabet]

Nope, not even close.

[@ericcarver3604]

@@20alphabet how would you know😡

[@20alphabet]

@@ericcarver3604 Research, observation, memory... the usual means by which knowledge is acquired. Look up: How Knowledge Is Acquired

[@Traci.Johnson.Francisco]

He's one of those people I'd love to have a conversation with. There's no way you can't love that face when he smiles.

[@sergeantwarden471]

He helped make my childhood better on that last half hour of the week before the drudgery of school started again. He also showed being smart and corny aren't so bad. Look around now.

[@akrenwinkle]

Viewing WML Sundays at 10:30 was my very last ray of freedom before another awful week of public school would begin again in the morning. I'm not kidding: almost 60 years later, I still have the occasional nightmare of the schoolroom. I think it was a requirement that the teachers had no understanding or liking of children. Being claustrophobic didn't help either.

[@georgemartin1436]

Hope he can at least see a whole new group of people are enjoying his wit and charm that makes living through these troubled times easier...

[@shirleyelias9917]

Pure class always remembered!!

[@Brian-uy2tj]

I still have a copy of a book he wrote when I was a child, it is still a great book. "Bennett Cerf's Houseful of Laughter."

[@moonlightray8493]

People tend to be somewhat critical of Bennett (relative to the other WML panelists), but I like his big cheeky grin, his corny puns, his good-natured banter with John Daly, his unique old-school accent, and his unwavering dedication to books and the free press. He seems like someone who got a lot out of life, both socially and intellectually. Thanks for making such a charming and heartfelt tribute video... I was pleasantly surprised by how handsome young Bennett was, before he donned his characteristic round spectacles, haha

[@ivangranger8494]

A wonderful tribute and as always, a song sung by Perfection-Ella. Thank You. ☺️

[@beatricepeter995]

Addicted to WML,I found Bennett Cerf's smile like my Grandpa's.His wit, generosity, humour and all of modest man no matter how high like a bright star,He smiles back at us each and every night : WML

[@thezmanchar]

There will never be another Bennett Cerf, Arlene Francis, Dorothy Killgalen or John Daley ever again. Those days are gone for sure. I wish I can go back in time just for an hour and meet them. I was not even born.

[@kw7807]

Well done.. much respect and love...

[@davidgrace2951]

Such an entertaining program he was on all those years.

[@65gto32]

Wonderful tribute!! His semi-autobiographical book published by Random House, go figure, At Random by Bennett Cerf is a must read for any admirer of this “genuine gentleman” and bon vivant from a long time ago. He was good friends with Sinatra and a regular at the quintessential NY eatery Toots Shore’s. Cheers to BC🥃

[@58christiansful]

He stood for everything that’s civilized. Wonderful man.

[@davidvincent1093]

All I can say is THANK YOU to angelina diana what a wonderful memory you brought back of a wonderful man in my life. Thank You again

[@TnseWlms]

As a generation Xer, I best remember him for his kid's books of laughs and riddles, including the one that immortalized the "big red rock eater."

[@craiglamme7665]

Bennett was a true and wonderful person according to the many broadcasts I’ve seen. I bet he was a truly great friend to have. Intellectual honesty is a lost art.

[@GingerHey]

So touching.... Thank you!

[@kkwok9]

Thank you for posting your video. RIP Brother. RIP m to all the great folks who made the original what's My Line so special to so many generations

[@maryellenquinn5267]

From the first time I saw the show as a child I liked BC..watching it decades later I knew I had good taste in men!❤️

[@faithmapstone9982]

Just started reading a book about Mr BC, only a few pages in & I can't put the book down. Fascinating, interesting & the Writers & people he met throughout his life. Rip 🌟

[@pgdmed]

I wasn’t born when he died but I feel like I’ve known him all my life. He seems like he was a great person.

[@lynngregory393]

To a time I wish I could have lived in. There is no class nor dignity in celebrity now.

[@MrGyges]

A charming, dignified, and intelligent man ( with an extra dash of fun ), Farewell sir.

[@20alphabet]

...NOT!

[@PsyphaX09]

I'm 40 and loving What's My Line here on YT. May you rest in peace, Mr. Cerf.

[@susanford2388]

Because of WML & Mr. Cerf's charm I read his book At Random I wholeheartedly recommend it.

[@earlj1956]

❤❤❤ I am 67 years old, and want to be Bennett Cerf when I grow up!

[@DerGlaetze]

I would have loved to have been one of his friends.

[@lekmirn.hintern8132]

What a nice little video tribute! Well done. Thank you.

[@demostheodorakakis6328]

Great guy. Smart, fun, gentle.

[@Rpaulbroker]

Why do such good people have to die so young?

[@gwenniegirl50]

He did manage to live to 73.

[@thomasthompson6378]

@@gwenniegirl50 Well, yes but, you know, Gwen, if one lives to be 73, it still seems very young.

[@LaptopLarry330]

A short while back, I read Bennett Cerf's obituary at "The New York Times" web site. It stated that, a few months before his death in 1971, he had underwent "major abdominal surgery". That is a euphemism for colon cancer. That was his cause of death.

[@marycleary-qe5ou]

Thanks Angelina ! This is great !

[@SweetChicagoGator]

Bennett Surf and Dorothy kilgallen were the most charming, intelligent and intuitive minda on What's My Line. I miss them terribly, but enjoy the reruns on KZbin.🤗

[@Redheadedlady55]

~This was so nice to view...WML is one of my favorite shows.

[@patcurrie9888]

Great video. I watched all the WML? on YT. Arlene was my fave but, Bennett was up there too. Their friendship was for the ages, next door neighbors to boot!

[@stevenfanale4553]

Pure Genius!!!!!!! Bennett was the best on WML!!!!!!!

[@David-yw2lv]

He was my favorite panelist on What's My Line.His autobiography At Random is a good read.

[@RonGerstein]

I hated all of his "so-called" puns directed at John Charles Daly, the host of WML.

[@David-yw2lv]

@@RonGerstein I thought they were.Mr.Cerf published named Terribly Atrocious Puns.

[@Richard19551]

Thank you!

[@robfmas]

That was very well done

[@Paul-lm5gv]

Our college age kid thinks 'What's My Line' is a hoot!

[@pianoplayrpiano99]

Bennet was a gentleman, a rare commodity these days. RIP Bennet.

[@edmundcharles5278]

I remember as a boy when Random House was a titanic in publishing, today no one reads anymore and the classic publishing world is greatly challenged, it might not survive. Aside from JL Rowling and Steven King, many authors are struggling!

[@call2872]

He was delightful in What's My Line? He appears to be a sharp and intelligent panelist.

[@dennisdivine7448]

While Bennett Cerf was the epitome of Manhattan sophistication as a publishing titan, he was an enthusiastic panelist on "What's My Line?", cheering on contestants with mundane jobs just as eagerly as trying to learn the identities of the Mystery Guests.

[@stevendaniel8126]

WML ........total class.

[@suestephan3255]

I agree with the many comments, a man of class & grace. He was good looking but too bad as he had to wear glasses they didn’t make them thinner as they do today.

[@angelinadiana]

Updated honoring at the Bennett Cerf Archives Includes interview with Bennett and Phillis Cerf kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIbYY2Nrjat-g9Esi=m6DQjuE5SMtBWVi-

[@maddyhayes617]

At first I thought he came across as arrogant, but a few episodes later I really understood his sense of humor and an exciting man. Did he get along with Dorothy?

[@patcurrie9888]

In beginning they were all great friends, John, Arlene, Bennett and Dorothy. Until Dorothy betrayed their trust for her columns. Then she became the outcast. They were consummately professionals on the set, but after the taping, Dorothy was alone. For such a smart woman, she did it to herself. Especially when she had a loveless marriage(after a while).

[@jamesfeldman4234]

There are hundreds of wonderful stories that you could tell about Bennett Cerf. Here's just an example. Dr. Seuss biographer Brian Jay Jones said that people have tried to find hidden meaning in "Green Eggs and Ham" since it was published long ago. But he said that Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss's actual name) was upfront about the book starting life as a wager with his publisher, Random House co-founder Bennett Cerf. "What he said about Green Eggs and Ham … is 'Bennett Cerf bet me I couldn't write a book using 50 words or less, and I wanted to show him that I could,'" said biographer Jones. But Bennett's bet was likely a clever way to inspire Dr. Seuss and get his creative juices flowing.

[@coololdluke3905]

When he replaced Hal Block I hated him so much even though he didn't fire Hal. But then watching him for years you can't help liking and respecting the man. Plus he is proof that my dad jokes aren't the worst ever lol

[@paulpeterson4216]

Bennet Cerf, the father of dad jokes

[@judicialo2039]

Actually, I recall how Mr Cerf was so happy to see Judy Garland on the show, 1967. Perhaps her version of his favorite song would be appreciated. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZuWYodjabyoo5Y

[@angelinadiana]

Judy Garland actually stayed with the Cerf’s at His NYC Apartment quite a few times.

[@saintpreferred9223]

He was pretty cool.

[@katemaddoxberrington3959]

😪💔💝

[@rogerscalf231]

Classy guy.

[@Dutchfan33]

His first wife was actress Sylvia Sidney

[@RonGerstein]

He loved the women contestants on WML and flirted with every one of them.

[@angelinadiana]

@@RonGerstein he also loved is wide dearly. I have an interview where he talks about his wife with live and admiration. I still find Bennett very charming and harmless. Quite attractive in my view…..