Sam Levenson

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Sam Levenson (December 28, 1911-August 27, 1980), American humorist, writer, television host and journalist. Born Samuel Levenson, he grew up in a large Jewish immigrant family in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Brooklyn College in 1934. He married Esther Levine and had two children. He was a Spanish teacher before writing the best-seller Sex and the Single Child (1969), In One Era And Out The Other (1973), You Can Say That Again, Sam! (1975), and Everything But Money (1966). He hosted the game show Two for the Money in 1956 (taking over for Herb Shriner) and the "Sam Levenson Show" from 1959 to 1964. Over a span of more than a decade, he appeared on Toast of the Town aka The Ed Sullivan Show 21 times. He was a guest host on The Price is Right and was a panelist on many other television programs such as Password and What's My Line. Levenson also had a cameo in the film A Face in the Crowd. He also appeared multiple times on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson throughout the 1970s. Levenson also wrote the well-known poem "Time Tested Beauty Tips" for his grandchild, which has become falsely attributed to Audrey Hepburn.[1]

The 150-seat Sam Levenson Recital Hall at Brooklyn College was named after him in 1988 in gratitude for his donations over the years to the Performing Arts Center. A glazed porcelain bust of him graces the hall's rear wall. The library of Franklin K. Lane High School, from which he graduated in 1930, is named for him and a large portrait painting of him hangs on the north wall of the library. During Lane High School's rededication ceremony in the fall of 1976, Levenson was an honored guest and gave a humorous speech about his days as a student.

[edit] Quotes

It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it.

Any beast can cry over the misfortunes of its own child. It takes a mensch to weep for others' children.

If you die in an elevator, be sure to push the up button.

It's not the sugar that makes the tea sweet, but the stirring.

Any kid who has two parents who are interested in him and has a houseful of books isn't poor.

Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children.

If your wife wants to learn to drive, don't stand in her way.

I'm going to stop putting things off, starting tomorrow!

The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy.

Somewhere on this globe, every ten seconds, there is a woman giving birth to a child. She must be found and stopped.

You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can't possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.

It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm!!'

I admit that: my wife is outspoken, but by whom?

Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.

Happiness is a by-product. You cannot pursue it by itself.

If you want to know how your girl will treat you after marriage, just listen to her talking to her little brother.

It's a good thing that when God created the rainbow he didn't consult a decorator or he would still be picking colors.

Lead us not into temptation. Just tell us where it is; we'll find it.

One of the virtues of being very young is that you don't let the facts get in the way of your imagination.

The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent.

We should not permit prayer to be taken out of the schools; that's the only way most of us got through.

When I was a boy I used to do what my father wanted. Now I have to do what my boy wants. My problem is: When am I going to do what I want?

[edit] Poem

Time Tested Beauty Tips

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!