<Tr> <Th> Spouse </Th> <Td> Sadie Cohen (1928--87; her death; 2 children) </Td> </Tr> <P> Henry "Henny" Youngman (original Yiddish surname Yungman; 16 March 1906--24 February 1998) was an English - born American comedian and violinist famous for his mastery of the "one - liner"; his best known one - liner being "Take my wife...please". </P> <P> In a time when many comedians told elaborate anecdotes, Youngman's routine consisted of telling simple one - liner jokes, occasionally with interludes of violin playing . These depicted simple, cartoon - like situations, eliminating lengthy build - ups and going straight to the punch line . He was known as "The King of the One Liners", a title conferred to him by columnist Walter Winchell . A stage performance by Youngman lasted only 15 to 20 minutes but contained dozens of jokes in rapid - fire succession . </P> <P> Youngman was born to a Jewish family in London, England . His family moved to Brooklyn, New York when he was a child . He grew up in New York City, and began as a comedian after he had worked for years at a print shop, where he wrote "comedy cards" containing one - line gags . The comedy cards were discovered by up - and - coming comedian Milton Berle, who encouraged Youngman and formed a close friendship with him . Berle said about him, "The only thing funnier than Henny's jokes is his violin playing ." </P>

Who said that's no lady that's my wife