Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Sam Levenson

Sam Levenson (December 28, 1911 – August 27, 1980) was an , , educator, television , and renowned for his gentle, anecdotal style of that drew from everyday life, his impoverished Jewish immigrant upbringing, and experiences as a schoolteacher. Born on Manhattan's , , as the youngest of eight children to Jewish immigrant parents, Levenson grew up in extreme poverty in the slums of during the early 20th century. He earned a B.A. from and an M.A. in Spanish folklore from , then taught high school Spanish in —initially at Abraham Lincoln High School and later at —during the from the 1930s to the mid-. Seeking additional income, he began performing in the Catskills resorts, where his nostalgic tales of immigrant family struggles and urban life quickly gained popularity, leading to a full-time entertainment career by the late . Levenson's breakthrough came through television, where he appeared as a frequent guest on programs like and , hosted the quiz show Two for the Money from 1956 to 1957, and starred in his own variety series The Sam Levenson Show from 1959 to 1964. His humor, often compared to that of and for its insightful yet affectionate portrayals of American mores, resonated widely and led to lecture tours, radio spots, and syndication across the U.S. and internationally. Levenson also wrote several books, including the bestselling autobiography Everything But Money (1972), which detailed his childhood and teaching years; In One Era and Out the Other (1973); and You Can Say That Again, Sam! (1976), collections of his witticisms on topics like education, parenting, and human nature. Levenson died of a heart attack at Long Island College Hospital in at age 68, leaving a legacy as a beloved chronicler of mid-20th-century American Jewish life and universal family dynamics, with enduring quotes like "The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy."

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family

Samuel Levenson was born on December 28, 1911, in Manhattan's to Russian Jewish immigrant parents, Hyman Levenson and Rebecca Levenson. As the youngest of eight children in a large family, Levenson grew up amidst the challenges of immigrant life in early 20th-century , where his father worked as a . The family's socioeconomic struggles intensified during the , as they navigated in cramped tenement housing, first in the and later in after relocating during his early childhood. Hyman's tailoring business provided scant stability, forcing the family to share limited resources like clothing and meals among the siblings, often relying on communal support from neighbors in the densely packed immigrant neighborhoods. Despite these hardships, the Levenson household was enriched by cultural influences from their Russian Jewish heritage, including humor, storytelling traditions, and religious observances that fostered a sense of and wit. Rebecca, in particular, emphasized the value of as a path out of , instilling in her children a drive to learn even when books and school supplies were luxuries. In his autobiography Everything But Money (1966), Levenson recounted vivid childhood anecdotes that captured the warmth amid scarcity, such as the family's ritual of pooling pennies for a single to share on hot summer days or the communal bartering in tenement hallways where neighbors exchanged mended clothes for fresh . These stories highlighted the tight-knit dynamics and the humorous coping mechanisms rooted in proverbs, which later informed Levenson's comedic style. The emphasis on in the ultimately guided his transition to a teaching career.

Education

Following the family's relocation to Brooklyn from Manhattan's Lower East Side, Levenson attended local public schools, including Junior High School 178 and , where he developed an early appreciation for learning amid challenging circumstances. Levenson graduated with a B.A. from in 1934, majoring in . He then pursued postgraduate studies at , earning an M.A. in , which provided the certification necessary for his entry into . His academic background, particularly the coursework in and writing during his undergraduate and graduate years, profoundly shaped his development as a , infusing his with folkloric elements and a keen observational drawn from everyday and narratives. Despite the family's financial hardships, this encouragement toward laid the foundation for his intellectual pursuits.

Personal Life

Marriage and Children

Sam Levenson married Esther Levine, his school-day sweetheart from Brooklyn College, on December 25, 1936, in New York City. During his early years as a teacher, the couple faced financial challenges, including summers at a Catskill resort in 1939 where they received free board in lieu of salary. Esther provided steadfast support as Levenson transitioned from teaching to entertainment, standing by him through the uncertainties of his emerging career in humor. The couple had two children: son Conrad, born on January 4, 1943, who later became an architect after graduating from , and daughter . Levenson was a devoted , prioritizing family bonding through weekly routines such as Sunday morning car outings to the countryside or boat trips, where the family— including Conrad, , Esther, and her parents—navigated seating disputes and shared simple joys amid everyday chaos. He balanced gentle discipline with indulgence, such as allowing extra playtime during visits to his childhood neighborhood, fostering a sense of heritage and adventure for his children. Levenson's experiences in domesticity deeply inspired his comedic material, transforming the "everyday hazards of family life" into relatable, affectionate anecdotes that resonated with audiences. The family resided in and other areas, adapting to Levenson's career shifts from to .

Residence and Later Years

As Levenson's career in and flourished, he steadfastly avoided relocating to , preserving his deep-rooted ties to the city's Jewish immigrant communities. By the 1970s, Levenson had transitioned to a quieter life in Neponsit, , a coastal neighborhood offering respite from urban intensity. There, he embraced a more relaxed lifestyle, occasionally engaging in local social affairs and reflecting on the enduring value of community involvement, while continuing select writing projects that drew from his personal experiences. His home in this serene setting overlooked the beach, providing a backdrop for contemplation amid the demands of prior fame. Levenson often spoke of the challenges in harmonizing public acclaim with private life, emphasizing his commitment to staying grounded in New York as a means to nurture familial bonds without succumbing to celebrity isolation. This balance, he noted, was key to maintaining authenticity in his humor and personal fulfillment during maturity. Levenson suffered a sudden heart attack and was admitted to College Hospital in on August 27, 1980, where he suffered and passed away later that evening at the age of 68.

Career

Teaching Profession

Sam Levenson entered the teaching profession immediately after earning his in from in 1934. He was hired as a teacher at High School in the section of , where he served from 1934 to 1937. Following this, Levenson transferred to in East , continuing to teach there for the next eight years, through the mid-1940s. In the classrooms of these Brooklyn public high schools, Levenson worked with diverse groups of students, many from immigrant families navigating life in America during the Great Depression. His lessons emphasized language acquisition, including reading, writing, and conversation skills to help pupils overcome linguistic barriers and "get the foreignisms out" of their speech. These interactions, filled with the challenges and humor of multicultural education, allowed Levenson to develop his storytelling techniques; he crafted engaging narratives in lesson plans and drew from student anecdotes to make abstract concepts relatable, fostering a dynamic classroom environment. As Levenson's side pursuits in humor began to gain traction in the late —starting with performances at teachers' events and summer resorts—he found himself juggling both roles. In 1945, he took a five-year from to pursue full-time, and never returned to the profession. Throughout his later life, Levenson remained a vocal supporter of public education, often crediting it as the cornerstone of opportunity in his personal reflections.

Entertainment Beginnings

Sam Levenson's entry into entertainment began in the late 1930s, when he started performing humorous monologues during summer seasons at resorts in the Catskills Mountains, such as the , Copake , and the Pines. These part-time gigs allowed him to develop a style of folk comedy that parodied Yiddish-English dialects and drew from everyday Jewish immigrant life, initially as a social director and tummler to entertain guests. In 1948, Levenson published his first book, Meet the Folks: A Session of American-Jewish Humor with Sammy Levenson, a collection of lighthearted sketches inspired by his large family's antics and cultural observations, which helped establish his reputation as a . Levenson's radio commenced in 1949 with appearances on station WEVD, where he adapted his resort routines for broadcast, marking his initial foray into . By the late 1940s, growing demand for his performances led Levenson to transition from part-time entertainment to a full-time , taking a from teaching in 1945 to focus on stand-up and writing, often incorporating anecdotes from his classroom experiences as source material for his routines.

Television and Media Presence

Sam Levenson gained prominence in early television as a panelist on CBS's "This Is ," where he appeared regularly from 1949 to 1954 alongside and other celebrities, offering humorous commentary on entertainment topics. The variety showcase, which also aired on during its run, showcased Levenson's folksy wit in discussions with performers and industry figures. In 1957, Levenson hosted the final season of the "Two for the Money," an audience participation quiz that had previously been hosted by , and featured contestants answering questions for cash prizes. The program aired weekly in , emphasizing Levenson's engaging, lighthearted style to draw viewers. Levenson starred in his own CBS daytime variety program, "The Sam Levenson Show," from 1959 to 1964, initially substituting for Godfrey's morning slot before continuing independently with segments blending humor, interviews, and musical performances. The half-hour format highlighted his storytelling on everyday life, attracting a dedicated audience until its discontinuation. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Levenson made frequent guest appearances on major variety programs, including multiple spots on "The Ed Sullivan Show" where he performed comedic routines on family and urban themes, as well as on "The Tonight Show" during Jack Paar and Johnny Carson's eras. He also had a brief cameo as himself in the 1957 satirical film "A Face in the Crowd," portraying a television personality amid the story's media critique. Into the 1970s, Levenson maintained an active media presence through radio interviews and public lectures, sharing anecdotes from his teaching background and comedic career at events and broadcasts. His work in these formats sustained his popularity as a beloved until his death in 1980.

Written Works

Major Books

Sam Levenson's major , published primarily in the 1960s and 1970s by , showcased his signature blend of autobiographical humor, drawing from his experiences as and to explore themes of , parenting, and societal shifts. These works emphasized witty observations on immigrant life and modern America, often achieving commercial success through relatable, lighthearted narratives. His debut major book, Everything But Money (1966), is an autobiography recounting Levenson's childhood in a crowded New York tenement amid poverty, highlighting the richness of family bonds, parental lessons on hope and education, and ethical values despite financial hardship. The book received widespread acclaim for its warm, humorous tone and topped the New York Times bestseller list in 1966 and 1967, selling hundreds of thousands of copies and establishing Levenson as a prominent humorist. Critics praised its nostalgic yet insightful portrayal of Jewish immigrant struggles, making it a timeless reflection on moral dilemmas. In Sex and the Single Child (1969), Levenson compiled humorous essays on parenting and child-rearing, capturing children's innocent logic and perspectives on adult topics like and the world through anecdotal wit. Illustrated by Whitney Darrow Jr., the book was delightfully received for its playful illustrations and clever sayings from young minds, contributing to its popularity as a light read on family dynamics. It achieved strong sales in the humor category, appealing to parents with its blend of and affection. In One Era and Out the Other (1973) offered reflections on cultural transformations, tracing Levenson's journey from Eastern European immigrant roots to contemporary American life, with nostalgic tales of Lower East Side upbringing and adapting to modern changes. Reviewers lauded its gentle, sentimental style and hyperbolic storytelling, earning a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Goodreads from dozens of readers who appreciated its blend of autobiography and social commentary. The book sold steadily, resonating with audiences for its humorous take on generational shifts. You Can Say That Again, Sam!: The Choice Wit and Wisdom of Sam Levenson (1975) is a collection of Levenson's most memorable quips and observations, drawn from his routines on , , and follies. It was well-received for its concise, laugh-out-loud humor and became a popular gift book. Levenson's final major book, You Don't Have to Be in Who's Who to Know What's What (1979), presented satirical compilations of folk humor and wisdom on contemporary issues including marriage, women's liberation, , medicine, , , work, sex, morality, and television. It received positive reception for its accessible, witty insights into everyday absurdities, continuing Levenson's tradition of drawing from observed societal follies. Though specific sales figures are unavailable, it maintained his reputation for bestselling humor amid a shifting cultural landscape.

Essays and Columns

Sam Levenson contributed humorous essays and short pieces to newspapers and magazines during the and , often adapting material from his live routines into written form. His work appeared in publications such as , where he published articles like one in the August 23, 1952, issue, blending personal anecdotes with witty observations on everyday life. These pieces, along with contributions to , highlighted themes of family, education, and urban Jewish immigrant experiences, resonating with postwar American audiences seeking relatable humor. In the , Levenson penned the poem "Time Tested Beauty Tips," which appeared in his 1973 book In One Era and Out the Other and was originally written as advice for his granddaughter, prioritizing inner virtues like and over external appearance. The poem opens with lines such as: "For attractive lips, speak words of . For lovely eyes, seek out the good in . For a slim figure, share your with the hungry." It concludes by affirming that "the beauty of a is not in a , but true beauty in a is reflected in her soul," underscoring enduring moral qualities. Levenson's shorter writings also yielded numerous iconic quotes on , , and , many of which originated from his routines and were later collected in magazines and anthologies. One famous example on intergenerational bonds is: "The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy." On education, he quipped: "The opposite of education is not ignorance, but indifference—the victim wouldn't even care." Reflections on life included: "Somewhere on this globe, every ten seconds, there is a giving birth to a . She must be found and stopped," a satirical nod to concerns. These quotes, drawn from his essays and columns, were frequently reprinted in periodicals like and humor compilations, amplifying his voice beyond books.

Legacy

Honors and Tributes

In recognition of his contributions as an alumnus and humorist, Sam Levenson received the Brooklyn College Alumni Association's Alumnus of the Year Award in 1956. He was further honored with an honorary degree from during its 1976 commencement ceremony, where he delivered a humorous address reflecting on his student days. The Sam Levenson Recital Hall, a 150-seat venue within the former Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at , was named in his honor as a lasting to his support for the institution's cultural programs. Following his death in 1980, obituaries across major publications celebrated Levenson as a pivotal figure in , emphasizing his warm, folkloric style drawn from Jewish immigrant life and his role in bringing relatable humor to television audiences. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency's described him as a "folk humorist" whose authentic portrayals of family and preserved Jewish-American spirit without , underscoring his enduring influence on ethnic . These accounts highlighted how his work bridged education and entertainment, often advocating for the joys of learning through laughter.

Cultural Influence

Sam Levenson's humor played a pivotal role in shaping Jewish-American comedy by translating immigrant family experiences into accessible, mainstream narratives, emphasizing universal themes over ethnic stereotypes. As a former Brooklyn schoolteacher, he drew from his own upbringing in a large immigrant household to craft stories that highlighted the incongruities of daily life, such as generational clashes and economic hardships, without resorting to demeaning dialects that he viewed as harmful post-Holocaust. This approach helped bridge the gap between insular of the Borscht Belt era and broader American audiences, fostering a more dignified representation of in . One of Levenson's most enduring contributions to popular culture is his poem "Time Tested Beauty Tips," originally written in 1973 for his daughter and granddaughter as part of his book In One Era and Out the Other. The piece, offering gentle advice like "For attractive lips, speak words of " and "The beauty of a is not in the clothes she wears," has gained widespread popularity in and motivational , often shared online and in compilations such as the 1989 Words of . Though frequently misattributed to —who recited it to her —it exemplifies Levenson's ability to blend with timeless , resonating in contexts promoting inner and . Levenson's work significantly popularized teacher humor and family anecdotes in mid-20th-century media, transforming personal observations into relatable comedic staples. His routines, rooted in classroom mishaps and household chaos—like children's summer camps or the disruptions of early television—earned high praise and ratings on shows such as CBS's post-Jack Benny slot, where his folk-style delivery achieved a Hooper rating of 0.39, nearly matching Benny's. By appearing on programs like This Is Show Business and The Ed Sullivan Show, he established a template for warm, anecdotal comedy that celebrated education and domestic life, influencing the era's lighthearted television fare. Through his authentic, Yiddish-infused wit—marked by puns and insightful observations on Jewish family dynamics—Levenson preserved a legacy of resilient humor that inspired subsequent generations of comedians in the stand-up tradition. He defined as emerging from genuine experiences, portraying Jews as triumphant rather than victimized, and using shared elements like maternal wisdom to connect universally. This philosophical style, which avoided , contributed to the evolution of Jewish comedy toward more empowering narratives, ensuring its vitality in cultural discourse long after his death in 1980.

References

  1. [1]
    Sam Levenson - IMDb
    Sam Levenson was born on 28 December 1911 in New York City, New York, USA. He died on 27 August 1980 in Neponsit, New York, USA.
  2. [2]
    Humorist Sam Levenson's Childhood: 'Poor, With Books' | WNYC
    Nov 9, 2012 · Levenson was born in 1911. As he describes in the above-cited talk, his upbringing was one of extreme poverty. After graduating from Brooklyn ...
  3. [3]
    Folk Humorist From Brooklyn; Sam Levenson, former schoolteacher ...
    Folk Humorist From Brooklyn; Sam Levenson, former schoolteacher, finds a rich vein of appealing comedy in everyday hazards of family life.
  4. [4]
    Comedian and Author Sam Levenson Dies at 68
    Aug 27, 1980 · ... died yesterday of a heart attack at Long Island College Hospital in Queens. He was 68. Mr. Levenson was admitted to the hospital in the ...
  5. [5]
    Sam Levenson, Brooklyn Teacher Who Turned Entertainer, 68, Dies
    Aug 29, 1980 · Sam Levenson, Brooklyn Teacher Who Turned ... died Wednesday in Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn after suffering a heart attack.
  6. [6]
    New Jersey Jewish News, 4 September 1980 — Page 117
    Sep 4, 1980 · ... Hyman and Rebecca. Levenson. A graduate of Brooklyn College, he taught Spanish at Abraham Lincoln High School from 1934 to 1937 and at Samuel ...
  7. [7]
    Books: Matzo-Barrel Philosopher | TIME
    EVERYTHING BUT MONEY by Sam Levenson. 285 pages. Simon & Schuster. $4.95. Papa Levenson's career was the very opposite of the standard American success ...
  8. [8]
    Everything But Money: A Life of Riches by Sam Levenson | eBook
    Free delivery over $50 Free in-store returnsAug 30, 2016 · Sam Levenson's blend of sweetness, hilarity and wisdom shines through Everything But Money ... father, the tailor, did. The stitches never ...
  9. [9]
    Sam Levenson Sees Rebirth for Brooklyn - The New York Times
    Aug 19, 1973 · Levenson, one of eight children of struggling immigrant Jewish parents, attended Junior High School 178, Franklin K. Lane High School and ...Missing: Columbia | Show results with:Columbia
  10. [10]
    Brooklyn College Graduates 6,000, Its Biggest Class - The New York ...
    Jun 24, 1976 · Sam Levenson, the humorist and a 1934 graduate of Brooklyn College. received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and kept many minds ...
  11. [11]
    [PDF] Rochester TV Guide; May 5 - 11, 1951 - Monroe County GenWeb
    Aug 7, 2013 · In lieu of a salary, Levenson received free board for his wife, Esther Levine, a school- day sweetheart, whom he married on. Christmas Day, 1936 ...
  12. [12]
    My Onward and Upward Mobility - The New York Times
    Every Sunday morning we arranged ottrselves in the car: one mommy and daddy, two children (Conrad and Emily), grandma and grandpa (my wife's ...
  13. [13]
  14. [14]
    Everything But Money: A Life of Riches - Sam Levenson
    Aug 30, 2016 · Staying true to his roots, he married his childhood sweetheart, Esther Levine, and had two children, who both still live in New York, along with ...
  15. [15]
    Meet the folks: a session of American-Jewish humor with Sammy ...
    Meet the folks: a session of American-Jewish humor with Sammy Levenson ; Publication date: 1948-01-01 ; Publisher: Citadel Press ; Collection: internetarchivebooks ...
  16. [16]
    Kaufman Returns to TV Jan. 24; Was Dropped for Christmas Quip
    Kaufman and other members of "This Is Show Business," including Clifton Fadiman and Sam Levenson, would be assured of at least a thirteen-week run. Agency ...Missing: panelist | Show results with:panelist<|separator|>
  17. [17]
    Television Introductions: Narrated TV Program Openings since 1949 ...
    THIS IS SHOW BUSINESS (CBS/NBC, 1949–1956) Variety showcase hosted by Clifton Fadiman. ORIGINAL OPENING Announcer: Lucky Strike presents . . . This Is Show ...
  18. [18]
    ON TELEVISION - The New York Times
    9-9:30-Two for the Money: Audience participation quiz, with Sam Levenson, host-(2). 9-10-Lawrence Welk Show: Dance music-(7). Advertisement. SKIP ...
  19. [19]
    ON TELEVISION - The New York Times
    9-9:30-Two for the Money: Audience participation quiz. With Sam Levenson-(2). 9-10-Caesar's Hour: Movie satire and a "Commuter's" sketch will be highlights ...
  20. [20]
    LEVENSON SIGNED FOR GODFREY TIME; Will Begin on Morning ...
    Sam Levenson has reached agreement with the Columbia Broadcasting System to star in a new daytime television show as a substitute for "Arthur Godfrey Time.
  21. [21]
    INTERVIEW SHOW WILL GO OVERSEAS; TV's 'Person to Person ...
    Levenson Show to End. Sam Levenson's morning tele- vision show on C. B. S. will be discontinued Sept. 25. He had taken over the half-hour time period April ...
  22. [22]
    "The Ed Sullivan Show" (CBS) Season 12 (1959-60)
    --Sam Levenson (humorist) - reads his kid's letters from summer camp. Also appearing: --Don Alan (magician) - does two short bits with Ed, and an extended ...
  23. [23]
    Out of the Vaults: “A Face in the Crowd”, 1957 - The Film Foundation
    Jul 13, 2020 · Out of the Vaults: “A Face in the Crowd”, 1957. Meher Tatna 07/13 ... Sam Levenson, Virginia Graham, and Walter Winchell in cameo roles.
  24. [24]
    Sex and the Single Child - Sam Levenson - Google Books
    Bibliographic information ; Title, Sex and the Single Child ; Author, Sam Levenson ; Published, 1969 ; Export Citation, BiBTeX EndNote RefMan ...<|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Full text of "The Times News (Idaho Newspaper) 1969-11-30"
    ... Sex and the Single Child" (Simon & Schuster, J3,50), which is delightfully illustrated by Whit- ne-, Darrow .Ir. The book has suddenly put I.evenson into ...<|separator|>
  26. [26]
    IN ONE ERA AND OUT THE OTHER - Sam Levenson - Google Books
    IN ONE ERA AND OUT THE OTHER. Front Cover. Sam Levenson. 1974. From inside the book. Contents. Sorry Wrong Era. 13. Poor Sammys Almaпас. 28. Get a New One.
  27. [27]
    Book Reviews, Sites, Romance, Fantasy, Fiction | Kirkus Reviews
    READ REVIEW. IN ONE ERA AND OUT THE OTHER. by Sam Levenson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 1973. Like Levenson the performer, Levenson the writer is gentle, ...
  28. [28]
    In One Era & Out the Other by Sam Levenson - Goodreads
    Rating 4.1 (79) Levenson the writer is gentle, sentimental and a hyperbolic storyteller, whose metier is a happy combination of Golden's Lower East Side nostalgia binges.
  29. [29]
    Books - In One Era & Out the Other: Sam Levenson - Amazon.com
    Publication date, August 15, 1973. Edition, First Edition. Language, ‎English ... Meet the Folks. Sam Levenson. Hardcover.
  30. [30]
    You Don't Have to be in Who's who to Know What's what - Sam ...
    You Don't Have to be in Who's who to Know What's what ... A compilation of folk humor and wisdom on marriage, women's lib, the family, medicine, religion, crime, ...<|separator|>
  31. [31]
    Sam Levenson: Books - Amazon.com
    You Don't Have To Be In Who's Who To Know What's What · by Sam levenson · Hardcover · See options. Other formats: Kindle, Paperback.
  32. [32]
    List-Saturday Evening Post 1950 to 1954 - Crinkley Bottom Books
    Presidents Bathtub, Gieger Counter Hunters, Sam Levenson, American Towns in Japan, Maxims Nightclub in Paris, Signal Corp at Ft. Monmouth NJ. VG. $35.00. Same.
  33. [33]
    30 Best Sam Levenson Quotes With Image - Bookey
    Levenson's writing career took off in the 1940s when he began contributing humorous essays and stories to popular magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post ...Missing: anthologies | Show results with:anthologies
  34. [34]
    Audrey Hepburn's Beauty Tips - The Human Life Review
    While popular sentiment wanted her to have written “Time Tested Beauty Tips,” it was actually composed by the American humorist Sam Levenson for his ...
  35. [35]
    Sam Levenson Quotes - BrainyQuote
    “Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle.”Missing: balancing | Show results with:balancing
  36. [36]
    Quotes by Sam Levenson (Author of Everything but Money)
    We leave you a tradition with a future. The tender loving care of human beings will never become obsolete. People even more than things have to be restored, ...Missing: balancing | Show results with:balancing
  37. [37]
    Alumni Awards | Brooklyn College
    Lifetime Achievement Awards are given to alumni during a year that coincides with their class celebrating a significant reunion. ... 1956—Sam Levenson '34; 1955— ...
  38. [38]
    About The Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts
    ... Center at Brooklyn College (BCBC)—the former performing arts center was composed of Whitman Hall, the George Gershwin Theater, and the Sam Levenson Recital Hall ...Missing: 1988 | Show results with:1988
  39. [39]
    Special to the JTA the Passing of a Folk Humorist
    Sep 3, 1980 · After Levenson died of cardiac arrest last Wednesday at the age of 68, I realized his insights into the serious side of Jewish life in America ...Missing: biography residence
  40. [40]
    1950s Jewish Humor - My Jewish Learning
    ... [comedians] Myron Cohen and Sam Levenson on the subject of dialects. Sam Levenson thought the Jewish dialect was demeaning, particularly after what had just ...
  41. [41]
    Quote Origin: For Attractive Lips, Speak Words of Kindness
    Jul 8, 2013 · When Levenson's daughter Emily started to date he discussed with her different concepts of beauty: I even suggested several time-tested ...