Jack Benny Statue: A Tribute to Waukegan's Favorite Son

The Jack Benny Statue stands as a tribute to the comedian's enduring legacy and his deep connection to Waukegan. Born in Chicago as Benjamin Kubelsky, Jack Benny spent his formative years in Waukegan and always considered it his hometown. The statue, located at the intersection of W. Clayton St and N. Genesee St, is not just a landmark but a symbol of the city's vibrant arts scene.The bronze statue, created by sculptor Erik Blome, depicts Benny in a characteristic pose, with one hand on his cheek and his trademark violin under his arm. The base of the statue features various symbols and details from "The Jack Benny Program," including his fictional vault guarded by crocodiles, the melody line for "Love in Bloom" (his theme song), etchings of his glasses and the number 39 (his perpetual age), and depictions of his butler, Rochester, and talented tenors.The statue was dedicated in 2002 as part of a downtown revitalization project, with the cost largely covered by private donations, including a "Pennies for Benny" campaign involving local schoolchildren. The surrounding area is known as Jack Benny Plaza. Visitors can explore other Benny-related sites in Waukegan, including his childhood home, Jack Benny Middle School, and the Jack Benny Center for the Arts.