Bennett Cerf

Date of Birth: May 25, 1898

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: August 27, 1971

Biography

Bennett Alfred Cerf was an influential American publisher, editor, and co-founder of Random House, one of the most prestigious publishing houses in the United States. Born in New York City, Cerf was educated at Columbia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a degree from Columbia Law School. Rather than pursuing law, he was drawn to the world of publishing. In 1925, he co-founded Random House with Donald Klopfer, and the company quickly made a name for itself by publishing works by prominent authors such as William Faulkner, Ayn Rand, and Truman Capote. Beyond his publishing career, Cerf was a well-known television personality, serving as a panelist on the popular game show “What’s My Line?” for 17 years. Known for his wit and charm, Cerf became a beloved figure in American popular culture. He was also an author in his own right, writing several books of humor and trivia. Cerf’s contributions to literature and television left a lasting legacy, and he was widely respected for his keen eye for talent and his dedication to the literary arts.

5 Interesting Facts about Bennett Cerf

1. Bennett Cerf purchased the rights to James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” a controversial move that helped establish Random House as a daring and innovative publisher.

2. He served as the president of Random House until his death in 1971, overseeing the publication of numerous bestsellers and literary classics.

3. Cerf was a founding member of the Book-of-the-Month Club, which significantly influenced American reading habits.

4. He edited and published several joke books and collections of humorous anecdotes, showcasing his love for humor.

5. Cerf was a trustee of Columbia University and a benefactor of various literary and educational causes.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bennett Cerf

1. “Good manners: The noise you don’t make when you’re eating soup.”

2. “The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed.”

3. “A publisher is a fellow who takes something that belongs to the public and sells it to the public.”

4. “I think it’s the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately.”

5. “Children and dogs are as necessary to the welfare of the country as Wall Street and the railroads.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Bennett Cerf achieved is not well-documented, but as a co-founder of Random House and a successful author and TV personality, it is estimated to have been in the multi-million dollar range at the peak of his career.

Children

Bennett Cerf had two sons with his second wife, Phyllis Fraser. His sons are: 1. Christopher Cerf, a noted author, composer-lyricist, and record and television producer. 2. Jonathan Cerf, an author and editor.