George Burns was an American comedian, writer, and actor known for his active work ethic. He stopped attending school in fourth grade to pursue show business full-time, but only gained recognition after partnering up with his future wife, Gracie Allen. After their marriage, the couple went on to star in The George Burns & Gracie Allen Show, which ran on CBS from 1950 through 1958.
It was on this day, November 1, 1983, that Burns signed a five-year contract with Caesar’s World in Las Vegas at the age of 87, jokingly having said, “I can’t afford to die when I’m booked.” Staying true to his comedian self, he further jested, “The last time I played Caesar’s Palace, it was owned by Julius.”
Burns won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Sunshine Boys and booked shows to celebrate his 100th birthday, but after suffering a head injury after a bad fall, the shows were cancelled. Burns passed away on March 9, 1996 at his home in Los Angeles.