Sam Hearn

Biography

Born and raised in New York City, Sam Hearn got his start in show business as early as 1915, appearing in the theater. He had several more stage appearances, the best known being the 1925 edition of "Mercenary Mary." He also performed frequently in vaudeville for during this time, often as an opener with a group known as the Radio Texans. In the early 1930's, he got into radio, appearing as the semi-regular character of "Schlepperman" on Jack Benny's show. During the next two decades, he appeared on several radio programs and was in various movies, most notably the Hepburn-Tracy "Pat and Mike." When TV became popular in the 1950's, Hearn found work in a wide variety of roles, the most watched being an episode of "I Love Lucy." He also made several appearances on Jack Benny's TV show, often reprising his radio role of Schlepperman. Hearn, who was married to Helen (nee Eley) in 1917, continued to stay active, working on radio and in TV and movies until his death in 1964. He was survived by his wife, who was buried next to him at Forest Hills.