A Real Success Formula: Harmony, Humor, and Honor.
George Burns and Gracie Allen 1953
Two things I remember about George Burns, watching the famous comedian on TV in the 1980s and1990s:
– Beautiful young women on either side of him.
– A quiet admiration for this man, by everyone.
That struck me as such a strange combination, especially for someone born in 1896!
But it didn’t take long to understand.
The young women were just part of his “show.” And the admiration came from those who knew how much George Burns still loved his departed wife, Gracie Allen. Even though she passed away in 1964, George never stopped honoring Gracie. His consideration of her was ever present.
From the time George Burns and Gracie Allen were married in 1926, this delightful celebrity duo of American comedy worked in harmony to bring joy and laughter through their silliness and humor. For four decades, this famous comedic couple entertained audiences around the globe spanning vaudeville, film, radio and television.
A bond of love knit these two special individuals together that showed the world you can be happily married and have fun, while building a successful business – together.
Burns and Allen had discovered a formula for success – for their business, their marriage, and their life.
Harmony – While Burns wrote most of their material and initially played the straight man, Gracie played the “Dumb Dora” stereotype (common in the early 20th century vaudeville comedy). When they recognized that audiences laughed at Gracie’s straight lines, they switched. Burns and Allen worked together in such harmony that they could adapt to just about any situation.
Humor – This dynamic duo lived to make people laugh. It was serious business. Their remarkable success clearly demonstrates that they worked hard to perfect their act. Shifting from vaudeville to film to radio and then television demonstrates that they were also adaptable, constantly learning, growing, and perfecting their craft. And they had a lot of fun doing it together.
Honor – George’s love for Gracie could be felt each time he spoke of her. This is clearly evident from the books published by George, including “I love her, that’s why!” (1955) and “Gracie: A Love Story” (1988). Even in later years after Gracie’s death, he would often make references to Gracie in his stage appearances. George truly honored Gracie such that everyone admired him.
Even after Gracie’s death, it was clear she lived on in George Burns as he continued to perform his comedy routine until he died in 1996 at the age of 100. Today you can see two words engraved on their combined tombstone “Together Again.”
Harmony, Humor, and Honor – three powerful values that helped deliver a lifetime of success to a remarkable couple.
What other couples in business have demonstrated a formula for success?
Thanks for this. I don’t remember a lot about this couple (a little before my time) but I know that my husband and I have an amazing relationship. While we don’t work in the same business, we both work from home. I have to laugh when someone tells me they could never work with their spouse because it makes me wonder if they have truly married “the one”.
Thanks for sharing, Nicole. I’ve heard that statement a lot (“could never work with my spouse”). While there are different and new challenges working together, there can also be great rewards.
It all starts with having a shared vision and common purpose.
This is one of the reasons I started down the path of developing differentiating values – to help couples lead a meaningful life, working with couples who are in business together!
I would agree with you, Robert! Anyone could always tell that the two of them shared humor and honor- which led to their harmony.
Thanks for the reminder.