Comments on: Eddie Anderson (1905-1977): Created Role of Rochester

By: Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:03:37 +0000

In reply to Charlene. You are so right. There is so much history that is regrettable, but this story is not. Thanks for posting.

By: Charlene

Charlene — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:11:47 +0000

A toast to Jack Benny and his crew for not tolerating racism even back then and standing with a lot of us who also stand with the Rochester’s of the world and knowing that we are all equal despite skin color!

By: Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly — Tue, 30 May 2017 00:45:26 +0000

One reader recently wrote me:
“When we first got cable back in the early 80’s we started watching the Jack Benny Show and I fell in love with Rochester. I didn’t know much about him until I happened upon this article! I actually named my first cat “Rochester” because they both had the raspy voice and both were black. He was a good man and I’m glad to know him better.”

She and I exchanged a couple of emails and I have added Jack Benny to my list. He, too, was an interesting man.

By: Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 15:34:33 +0000

In reply to Sekai’afua Zankel.

Thank you so much! I’m delighted the article about Anderson inspired you. He was talented and also a very good man.

About 2 years ago, I was invited to visit his home, which is now a bed-and-breakfast for artists. It was such fun to see the house and meet some of the young people living there. The house itself was comfortably placed within a neighborhood—no fences or walls or anything that would have kept Eddie Anderson from inviting the neighborhood kids over to enjoy his pool.

Thank you for posting.

By: Sekai'afua Zankel

Sekai'afua Zankel — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 03:14:54 +0000

This morning, I was thinking about Rochester, no reason, Eddie Anderson just came to mind. Inspirited by his history and the many laughs he helped me achieve, I’m grateful for my younger days of home and family. I enjoyed the site and was moved to write a poem.

By: Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 01:08:00 +0000

In reply to Cynthia Becker.

I would agree, Cynthia. And yes, the fact that Eddie Anderson and Jack Benny worked out such a nice relationship on screen and off really speaks volumes about both of them.

Thanks for reading.

Kate

By: Cynthia Becker

Cynthia Becker — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 21:53:41 +0000

Kate, thank you for the profile of Eddie Anderson! When I was growing up we watched the Jack Benny show every week and it would not have been half as entertaining without Rochester. I thoroughly enjoyed the clip from to show. Reminds me how much I miss some of the old shows.