Date of Birth: October 5, 1924
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: June 15, 2017
Biography
Bill Dana, born William Szathmary, was an American comedian, actor, and screenwriter best known for his character José Jiménez. Born on October 5, 1924, in Quincy, Massachusetts, Dana began his career in the entertainment industry after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He initially found work as a page at NBC, where he later began writing for television shows. His big break came when he created the José Jiménez character, which became immensely popular during the 1960s, especially through appearances on “The Steve Allen Show.” Dana’s work extended beyond acting; he was a prolific writer, contributing to shows like “All in the Family” and “The Golden Girls.” He passed away on June 15, 2017, leaving behind a legacy of humor and groundbreaking work in television comedy.
5 Interesting Facts about Bill Dana
1. Bill Dana’s character José Jiménez became a cultural phenomenon, often remembered for its catchphrase, “My name… José Jiménez.”
2. Dana was a writer on the groundbreaking sitcom “All in the Family,” contributing to its success.
3. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, which interrupted his early career pursuits.
4. Dana was instrumental in creating the Emmy-nominated sitcom “The Bill Dana Show,” where he starred as José Jiménez.
5. He was a co-founder of the American Comedy Archives at Emerson College, which preserves the work of comedians and humorists.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bill Dana
1. “My name… José Jiménez.”
2. “Comedy is acting out optimism.”
3. “Humor is a great way to reach people and make a point.”
4. “I always felt that laughter was a gift you could give to others and yourself.”
5. “The best humor is both funny and true.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Bill Dana’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Bill Dana did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Bill Dana – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Dana_(comedian