Kenny Delmar
Actor
About Kenny Delmar
Kenny Delmar was an American radio and film actor best known for creating the iconic character Senator Beauregard Claghorn on Fred Allen's popular radio show. Born Kenneth Frederick Delmar, he began his career in radio during the 1930s and developed the bombastic Southern politician character that became a national sensation. The Senator Claghorn character, with his distinctive Southern drawl and catchphrase 'That's a joke, son!', was so popular that it led to the 1947 film 'It's a Joke, Son!' where Delmar reprised his starring role. His career was primarily centered in radio, where he worked on numerous shows throughout the 1930s and 1940s, with this film being his most notable cinematic achievement. The character's influence extended beyond radio and film, directly inspiring the creation of the Warner Bros. cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn. Delmar continued working in radio and television through the 1950s and 1960s, though never again achieved the same level of fame as he did with his signature character. His legacy remains tied to this groundbreaking comedic creation that captured the American imagination during the golden age of radio.
The Craft
On Screen
Character comedy with exaggerated Southern dialect, rapid-fire delivery, and bombastic personality. Delmar specialized in creating memorable comedic characters through voice work and physical comedy, using timing and dialect work to bring his creations to life.
Milestones
- Created Senator Beauregard Claghorn character on Fred Allen's radio show
- Starred in 'It's a Joke, Son!' (1947) film adaptation
- Long-running career in radio comedy
- Character inspired Foghorn Leghorn cartoon
- Pioneered Southern dialect comedy in mainstream media
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Character of Senator Claghorn recognized as one of radio's most iconic comedic creations
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Kenny Delmar's creation of Senator Claghorn had a profound impact on American popular culture, representing one of the first times a radio character successfully transitioned to film while maintaining its core appeal. The character's exaggerated Southern mannerisms and political satire influenced generations of comedians and voice actors, particularly in how regional dialects could be used for comedic effect. The character's catchphrases and speech patterns became part of the American comedic lexicon, with 'That's a joke, son!' entering popular usage. Most significantly, the character directly inspired Warner Bros. animator Mel Blanc to create Foghorn Leghorn, ensuring Delmar's comedic legacy would continue through animation for decades to come.
Lasting Legacy
Kenny Delmar's lasting legacy is primarily tied to his creation of Senator Claghorn, a character that represents the golden age of radio comedy at its finest. While his film career was limited to one starring role, the cultural impact of that character has endured far beyond its original medium. The character's influence on animation through Foghorn Leghorn means that Delmar's comedic style continues to entertain audiences even decades after his death. His work represents an important bridge between radio comedy and later forms of entertainment, demonstrating how character-driven comedy could transcend media boundaries.
Who They Inspired
Delmar influenced numerous voice actors and comedians who followed, particularly in the art of creating memorable characters through dialect and timing. His work showed how regional stereotypes could be used effectively for comedy when handled with skill, paving the way for later character comedians. The success of his character transitioning from radio to film also demonstrated the potential for cross-media character development, influencing how entertainment industry approached character creation in subsequent decades.
Off Screen
Kenny Delmar maintained a relatively private personal life, with most public attention focused on his professional radio and film work. He was married and had children, but details about his family life remain limited in public records.
Education
Limited information available about his formal education
Family
- Married (specific spouse name not publicly documented)
Did You Know?
- Senator Claghorn was originally created as a one-time character but became so popular it became a regular feature
- The character's name 'Beauregard' was chosen to evoke Southern heritage
- Foghorn Leghorn's creator Mel Blanc admitted the cartoon character was directly inspired by Delmar's radio performance
- Delmar's Southern accent was so convincing many listeners believed he was actually from the South
- The film 'It's a Joke, Son!' was one of the first times a radio character was given a full-length film adaptation
- Delmar continued to perform the Claghorn character on radio long after the film's release
- The character's political satire was considered daring for its time, poking fun at Southern politicians
- Delmar's rapid-fire delivery style influenced many later radio comedians
- The catchphrase 'That's a joke, son!' was ad-libbed during early performances and became the character's signature
- Despite the character's popularity, Delmar never again starred in a feature film
In Their Own Words
That's a joke, son!
I say, that's a joke, son!
Somebody's gonna get hurt real bad!
Pay attention to me, boy!
I'm from the South, son!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kenny Delmar?
Kenny Delmar was an American radio and film actor best known for creating the character Senator Beauregard Claghorn on Fred Allen's radio show. He starred in the 1947 film 'It's a Joke, Son!' and had a significant influence on American comedy through his memorable character work.
What films is Kenny Delmar best known for?
Kenny Delmar is best known for starring in 'It's a Joke, Son!' (1947), where he reprised his famous radio character Senator Claghorn. This was his major film role, though he had a much more extensive career in radio.
When was Kenny Delmar born and when did he die?
Kenny Delmar was born on September 5, 1910, in Boston, Massachusetts, and passed away on July 14, 1984. He lived to be 73 years old.
What awards did Kenny Delmar win?
While Kenny Delmar didn't receive major formal awards, his creation of Senator Claghorn is recognized as one of radio's most iconic comedic achievements. The character's cultural impact and lasting influence on comedy represent his most significant recognition.
What was Kenny Delmar's acting style?
Delmar specialized in character comedy with exaggerated Southern dialect, rapid-fire delivery, and bombastic personality. His style combined voice work with comedic timing, creating memorable characters through distinctive speech patterns and mannerisms.
How did Kenny Delmar influence animation?
Delmar's Senator Claghorn character directly inspired Warner Bros. animator Mel Blanc to create Foghorn Leghorn. The cartoon character shares many of Claghorn's speech patterns, catchphrases, and personality traits, ensuring Delmar's comedic legacy continued through animation.
Was Kenny Delmar really from the South?
No, despite his convincing Southern accent as Senator Claghorn, Kenny Delmar was actually from Boston, Massachusetts. His Southern dialect was part of his character acting and was so authentic that many radio listeners believed he was genuinely from the South.
Learn More
Films
1 film
