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Comic Relief With Wise Words for Wednesday

By
Real Estate Agent with Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES 0506509

Journal Entry for January 21, 2026

 

COMIC RELIEF WITH WISE WORDS

A Centenarian is anyone who lives to be anywhere in between 100 and 109 years old. Many centenarians learned that laughter is the best medicine. If you're old enough to remember George Burns, you might recall that George, an American comedian lived to be 100 years old. He used humor to entertain his audience and wise words to make people think and laugh. Good old George never made anyone feel uncomfortable. When he got on stage, he got the crowd started with laughter. He could begin a conversation by saying, "It's nice to be here. When you're 100 years old, it's nice to be anywhere!"

 

 

ALL PROFESSIONALS GO THROUGH TRANSITIONS

George and his wife Gracie were an old vaudeville act who made people laugh for a living. When times changed from Radio Broadcasting to Television, many vaudeville acts ended their careers. But George & Gracie went on to live performances and Television. Can you imagine if they decided to transition to become real estate agents?

 

For the next image, using my imagination, I played up to George & Gracie's character roles making buyers laugh when looking at silly houses for sale. In this image, using Gemini, I created an old house with a broken fence, silly furniture, several wandering cats, and a spinning wheel in the bedroom. To make a sale, I have no doubt they would bring nothing less than joy to every client.


 

 

It makes sense. Sometimes things aren't what they are supposed to be; yet they are funny. To George & Gracie, they knew how important it is to have good humor to keep your audience engaged. Putting others at ease can contribute to maintaining more comfortable relationships. Afterall, isn't it an Agent's duty to work in the best interest of the buyers and sellers? With that talent, agents can garner team respect that becomes long lasting friendships.  

 

 

NET WORTH & REMEMBRANCE

Many years after Gracie died, George Burns passed away in 1996. He was 100 years old leaving behind a net worth of approximately $20 million. George managed his business creating wealth as a comedian, actor, writer, and producer.  All their lives, George & Gracie gave back to their communities.


Their journey began in the 1920s working long hours during difficult times in American history. That year, was known for political, social, and major events, including Prohibition. On Radio and Television, George & Gracie were well respected for what they gave to the people - comic relief during stressful years, when the economy wasn't great. Just about everyone respected them and knew their names! As a Team, they made people laugh and people appreciated them for their wise words and comic relief. 

 

LIFE IS FULL OF ONGOING CHANGES

During their careers, the Radio acts ceased to exist and there was new technology - Television. George and Gracie successfully transitioned from radio to television. The economy changed and by the 1950s many people were able to buy television sets, giving George and Gracie a wider audience.  

 

 

A WINNER NEVER QUITS

At around 80 years old, George Burns teamed up with actor, singer, musician John Denver in the 1977 movie called "Oh God." The show begins with a typical scene of the father, John Denver, putting his kids to bed. He had a stressful day at work. Meanwhile, his wife, played by Teri Garr was more interested in her physical appearance. Her appearance didn't matter him. In the privacy of their room, they talk about loans and mortgages and other issues. Before going to bed, he received a letter requesting an interview with God. That's when the show gets very interesting and funny too! The next day when he gets to 1600 Hope Street, for the interview, everything changes. 

 

 

WHAT DOES "GOD,"(GEORGE BURNS) SAY?

"Whatever happens to us, happens."

"Our lives could work - It's up to us!"

"Free will - all the choices are yours." 

 

 

Here is what I wish for you: Whatever appointments you have lined up, may they be simply divine, mixed in with good humor and wise words. May success be yours in whatever you choose. Have faith.


Author: Patricia Feager

Comments(20)

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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Patricia... what a fun post. Of course, I'm old enough to remember George Burns and Gracie Allen. They were already legends at that time. I have a feeling most people today know nothing about them.

Jan 21, 2026 04:34 AM
Patricia Feager

Thanks, Nina Hollander, Broker! Most wouldn't even know what a vaudeville act is either. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I do think older generations can be very influential to the younger ones. We have many readers here on AR. Book lovers read all kinds of genera's going back in time before the readers were born. Hopefully, they will enjoy this one too.

Thank you!

Jan 21, 2026 04:42 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

I remember my parents watching him and laughing. I have seen old reruns and his dry humor was very funny!

Jan 21, 2026 04:45 AM
Patricia Feager

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 - My parents and grandparents loved watching them too. The old reruns and "dry humor," was so funny and never insulting. If was able to find "Oh God," for free and watched it yesterday. That was my inspiration for writing this blog post for today. 

Thanks for your great comment!

Jan 21, 2026 04:48 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Good morning! In my opinion, humor is a MUST in this life. There are times in life where having a sense of humor might be the only way through!

Jan 21, 2026 04:53 AM
Patricia Feager

Kat Palmiotti - good point! Good humor goes a long way when building and keeping friends. As humans, we all make mistakes, and sometimes it's easier to get through the awkward moments. Humor may be your only way out. 

Jan 21, 2026 04:58 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Retired Broker, Wenatchee, WA

Good morning, Patricia.
George and Gracie were certainly masters of humor. Their ability to adapt to the changes we all face in our careers (and life) is an important point. How much adaptation has been required in the real estate industry over the last 3 decades? And, through it all... laughter really is he best medicine.

Jan 21, 2026 04:54 AM
Patricia Feager

Carol Williams - I'm so glad to know you understood the point I was trying to make about how to survive during very difficult times. Humor really is the best medicine, and it can lower blood pressure too. Some of life's greatest tests involve adaptation to change. George and Gracie really were "masters of humor!"

And to your point, I have been going through a lot of real estate stuff and recognized just how much my life changed in real estate. To think, my first major change was going from a Pager at work in an Employer/Employee relationship, (before real estate) to a Blackberry as a self-employed licensee! 

Thanks, Carol!

Jan 21, 2026 05:04 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Patricia. George Burns was an American classic who used humor to deliver a message. He was so funny many never got the message. I am old enough to remember seeing them on TV in the 50's. Together he and Gracie could light up a room with laughter. Thanks for the memories. Enjoy your day. 

Jan 21, 2026 05:00 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I was at dinner at Chasen's in Los Angeles with my son many years ago - probably in the mid to late 80s and George Burns was there.  My son wanted to go up and say hello but I wouldn't let him bother George Burns at dinner

Jan 21, 2026 05:38 AM
Patricia Feager

Lise Howe - that was a precious moment with your son and George Burns too! I'm sure he appreciated not being disturbed while he was having dinner. But what a moment for your son! I'll bet he never forgot it either! He's lucky to have a mom like you!

Jan 21, 2026 05:48 AM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Wayne Martin - You're right! George & Gracie had the magic - they could light up a room! Between his firm deep voice, clearly enunciated, and Gracie's quirky voice and silly expressions were too funny. They were opposites with the right ingredients to do good comedy to make people laugh. 

Thanks, Wayne. I appreciated your comments!

Jan 21, 2026 05:40 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

George among other now deceased comedians many with roots in Vaudeville never used foul language or inappropriate language.  Their humor was funny, truly funny.

Jan 21, 2026 06:15 AM
Patricia Feager

Leanne Smith - You raise a good point! I don't recall ever hearing bad language from the old timers whose careers began in Vaudeville. Although I do remember movies and some songs on the radio being banned while I was growing up, when it came to generations before me, comedy was just pure, good, and clean humor, and never jokes at anyone else's expense. 

I enjoyed reading your comment

Jan 21, 2026 09:45 AM
Leanne Smith

Yes many of today's comedians are more political than in years past. I remember Bob Hope taking pokes at either side of the aisle as did others such as Johnny Carson. I agree comedy years ago was just pure, good and clean humor. 

Jan 21, 2026 09:53 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

He was awesome, great information. Thanks for sharing it. Have a good week! Bill

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

#AZVHV / Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans

Jan 21, 2026 06:16 AM
Patricia Feager

GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore - You're right! George Burns was awesome and funny!

Thank you. 

Jan 21, 2026 09:48 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Wednesday morning, Patricia. Thanks for this interesting blog post.

Have a great day and an outstanding week.

Jan 21, 2026 06:19 AM
Patricia Feager

Roy Kelley - I hope you have an enjoyable week. We are headed for a winter storm with weather warnings in advance.

Have a great day. 

Jan 21, 2026 09:49 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

I remember George Burns and many other comedians from when I was growing up. My Dad always taught us to laugh at ourselves and not take ourselves too seriously. Humor was important in our family when we were growing up. My Dad had a book in which he wrote down jokes as well. Unfortunately his writing was so bad no one but him could read it.

Jan 21, 2026 07:00 AM
Patricia Feager

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 - Thanks for sharing and remembering comedians from times you grew up. Oh, I remember them fondly too. Your dad must have been very good with people to have had a successful business and to enjoy good humor too. His advice about us "to laugh at ourselves and not take ourselves too seriously," is something to never forget. I love hearing the stories of your humble beginnings with your dad. 

Jan 21, 2026 09:52 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

Thoughtful and uplifting reflection, Patricia Feager.

Your connection between humor, adaptability, and long careers is well made. George Burns understood that laughter builds trust and puts people at ease, which is just as relevant in real estate as it was on stage. Transitions, technology shifts, and changing markets reward those who stay grounded, flexible, and human.

Wise words paired with lighthearted perspective are always welcome, especially in demanding professions. Thank you for the reminder that humor and kindness leave a lasting legacy.

Jan 21, 2026 07:19 AM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518 - Your comment was so refreshing and filled with joy of remembrance about character building with trust. Business isn't just about the money; it's about making people comfortable enough do want to do business and show up with us. We can run a business through tough times and good times and still earn their respect. Transitions in running a business is part of what needs to happen for growth and opportunities. Staying stagnant won't get us far. 

I truly appreciate how you made the connections about what I was trying to convey with creative imagery. Thank you!

 

Jan 21, 2026 09:59 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

George was the straight man to the silly responses of Gracie, and on the TV show, Harry Bonzele just looked and shrugged.

Jan 21, 2026 12:43 PM
Patricia Feager

Thanks for your comment, Ed Silva, 203-206-0754. As a Team and married couple, they were well established in the entertainment industry and beloved by many. 

Jan 21, 2026 03:37 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Patricia, don't remember Gracie all that well, but George Burns was a class act, and really funny.

Jan 21, 2026 12:47 PM
Patricia Feager

Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner  - George Burns was highly regarded in the entertainment industry and was very funny. He had a good memory for details and was a father figure to future comedians during his time on earth. 

Jan 21, 2026 03:41 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Patricia I did not see many of his performances with Gracie, but I watched many of the ones later in his life as a solo comedian.  Besides the laughter, maybe the cigar he always had in his hand added to the years he lived.  ☺️

Jan 21, 2026 01:56 PM
Patricia Feager

Hi George Souto - Gracie passed away in 1964 when she was 69 years young. Those cigars always in the hand of George was his signature style. He never quit smoking and lived a long and fulfilling life spanning years of changes in the entertainment world. He died of a heart attack. 

Jan 21, 2026 03:48 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

It definitely seems that happier people live longer lives, and laughter is definitely part of being happy in life!

Jan 22, 2026 05:10 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I'm old enough to remember George and know of Gracie. Loved George's comedy! I enjoyed this post, thank you!

Jan 22, 2026 12:49 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Patricia Feager Loved George and Gracie - good night, George, goodnight Gracie - Laugh and the world laughs with you 

Jan 25, 2026 11:56 AM
Chris Lima
Turtle Reef Realty - Port St Lucie, FL
Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you.

I was smiling as I read this. Looking back at simpler times with hindsight is all of the perspective that I need for today.  Great analogy with this one Patricia Feager!

Jan 26, 2026 07:00 AM