Benchley, Robert 1889-1945. US humorist,
actor, and drama critic, born in
Massachusetts. He was associated with the
writer Dorothy Parker, The New Yorker
magazine, and the circle of wits at the
Algonquin Round Table in New York. His books
include Of All Things 1921 and Benchley
Beside Himself 1943. His film skit How to
Sleep illustrates his ability to extract
humour from everyday life.