Entertainer. He is remembered for being half of the comedy duo "Burns and Carlin". He later had a successful comedy association with Avery Schreiber. Born John Francis Burns, into an Irish-Catholic family, his father served in the United States Air Force which resulted in his family frequently relocating. Following a stint with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, Jack returned to his native Boston where he studied Broadcasting and landed his first job in radio. In 1959, he met George Carlin and the two decided to form a comedy act. Their careers were furthered with the aid of legendary comedian Lenny Bruce and at the height of their popularity, they performed on "The Tonight Show with Jack Paar" in 1960. After the pair separated in 1962, Burns joined the "Second City Comedy Troupe" where he met Avery Schreiber which led to their partnering as a comedy duo. The team went on to perform on such TV programs as "The Merv Griffin Show" and "The Ed Sullivan Show" in addition to recording comedy albums. Burns included acting to his talents and was cast as 'Deputy Warren Ferguson' on the TV series "The Andy Griffith Show" (1965 to 1966). During the 1970s, he wrote for Flip Wilson, Paul Lynde and others and in 1976, he served as head writer for "The Muppet Show" which earned him an Emmy Award nomination in 1977. He remained active in the industry until the early 2000s.
Entertainer. He is remembered for being half of the comedy duo "Burns and Carlin". He later had a successful comedy association with Avery Schreiber. Born John Francis Burns, into an Irish-Catholic family, his father served in the United States Air Force which resulted in his family frequently relocating. Following a stint with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, Jack returned to his native Boston where he studied Broadcasting and landed his first job in radio. In 1959, he met George Carlin and the two decided to form a comedy act. Their careers were furthered with the aid of legendary comedian Lenny Bruce and at the height of their popularity, they performed on "The Tonight Show with Jack Paar" in 1960. After the pair separated in 1962, Burns joined the "Second City Comedy Troupe" where he met Avery Schreiber which led to their partnering as a comedy duo. The team went on to perform on such TV programs as "The Merv Griffin Show" and "The Ed Sullivan Show" in addition to recording comedy albums. Burns included acting to his talents and was cast as 'Deputy Warren Ferguson' on the TV series "The Andy Griffith Show" (1965 to 1966). During the 1970s, he wrote for Flip Wilson, Paul Lynde and others and in 1976, he served as head writer for "The Muppet Show" which earned him an Emmy Award nomination in 1977. He remained active in the industry until the early 2000s.
Bio by: C.S.
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SGT USMC
KOREA
PROUDLY
SERVED
HUH HUH
Gravesite Details
Interment 3/10/2020
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