Waukegan in Lake County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Jack Benny
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 9, 2026
1. Jack Benny Marker
Born February 14, 1894
Attended Waukegan High School
The Jack Benny Show
Radio Television Movies
Violinist
Erected 1992 by City of Waukegan.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is February 14, 1894.
Location. 42° 21.777′ N, 87° 49.777′ W. Marker is in Waukegan, Illinois, in Lake County. It is on Sheridan Road south of Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The marker is in Haig Paravonian Walk of Stars Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Waukegan IL 60085, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dr. Eugene P. King (here, next to this marker); Ray Bradbury (here, next to this marker); Phil Austin (here, next to this marker); Otto Graham (a few steps from this marker); Waukegan Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Orion Perseus Howe (approx. 0.4 miles away); Waukegan Doughboy Statue (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cpl. Richard E. Bush Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waukegan.
More about this marker. Waukegan's Walk of Stars was dedicated in 1992; it was re-dedicated in 1995 in honor of late mayor Haig Paravonian, who had helped spearhead the idea.
Jack Benny is the namesake of a middle school and a performing arts center in his hometown. His house is a city landmark,
this page online
Regarding Jack Benny. Jack Benny was born in Chicago as Benjamin Kubelsky, and raised in this city about 45 miles north. He took the stage name Jack Benny in the 1920s.
Also see . . .
1. Jack Benny's hometown gives him a star. A 1992 Chicago Tribune article about the dedication on Waukegan's "Walk of Stars." (Subscription may be required.)
Excerpt: "'Someone once asked Jack Benny how it felt to have made Waukegan famous,' said Randy Bowcott, vice president of the Waukegan Historical Society. 'He replied, "It`s just the reverse; Waukegan is what made me famous." In a letter following a 1959 visit here, Benny wrote that he was proud to be one of us. We`re proud you`re one of us, too.'"(Submitted on August 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Hometowns to Hollywoon: Jack Benny.
Excerpt: "[Benny] began studying the violin when he was six years old, with his parents hoping that he would one day become a professional violinist. By age 14, he played in dance bands as well as in his high school orchestra. [He] did(Submitted on August 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)not enjoy practicing and struggled academically, leading to his expulsion from high school. He attempted to complete business school but ultimately decided to play violin in vaudeville theaters."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 9, 20262. Haig Paravonian Walk of Stars ParkThe walk along Sheridan Road features five stars related to famous Waukegan natives.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 9, 2026
3. Close-up of Jack Benny image in his star
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 9, 2026
4. Jack Benny statue in Waukegan
This statue of Jack Benny holding a violin is about a block north of the Walk of Stars.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
