Arthur Auerbach, born on May 17, 1903, known as "Mr. Kitzel," was an American comic actor and professional photographer. He gained fame on the Al Pearce radio show in 1937 and became a staple of the Jack Benny radio show for 12 years, also making appearances on The Abbott and Costello radio show in the 1940s. Auerbach initially worked with Phil Baker before joining the Jack Benny program. Alongside his acting career, he served as a reporter and photographer for the New York tabloid Daily Mirror and the New York Daily News, covering high-profile stories like the Lindbergh kidnapping and the Hall–Mills murder case. His photography fame included an incident involving an unauthorized picture of a person in the electric chair.
His comedic character, Mr. Kitzel, was inspired during an assignment at a Bronx drug store when he heard a man with a strong Yiddish accent singing "Yes, Sir, That’s My Baby." Auerbach took the character’s traits and developed Mr. Kitzel, whose name translates to "to tickle or make laugh" in Yiddish. The character was further influenced by the druggist Maurice Adolff, who became a close friend. Despite his budding career in comedy, Auerbach remained uncertain about leaving journalism, only taking temporary leaves from his newspaper job.
Discovered by Phil Baker due to his unique dialect humor, Auerbach made his stage debut in the Broadway revue Calling All Stars in 1934. Initially submitting comedy sketches, he transitioned to performing them himself, showcasing Mr. Kitzel for the first time. Auerbach was later involved in The Goldbergs and its predecessor, House of Glass, and played roles in CBS's The Wonder Show alongside notable stars like Lucille Ball.
His biggest success came from the Jack Benny Program, where he was introduced as Mr. Kitzel in 1946, originally as a hot dog vendor. His catchphrase "De pickle in de middle mit de mustard on top" became widely recognized, leading to a novelty song in late 1946. He earned accolades like being named Man of the Year by the National Pickle Packers Association. Auerbach's unique charm lay in his friendly rapport with Jack Benny, distinguishing him from other characters. Mr. Kitzel persistently appeared even as the show transitioned from radio to television until Auerbach's passing in 1957.
Discovered by Phil Baker due to his unique dialect humor, Auerbach made his stage debut in the Broadway revue Calling All Stars in 1934. Initially submitting comedy sketches, he transitioned to performing them himself, showcasing Mr. Kitzel for the first time. Auerbach was later involved in The Goldbergs and its predecessor, House of Glass, and played roles in CBS's The Wonder Show alongside notable stars like Lucille Ball.
His biggest success came from the Jack Benny Program, where he was introduced as Mr. Kitzel in 1946, originally as a hot dog vendor. His catchphrase "De pickle in de middle mit de mustard on top" became widely recognized, leading to a novelty song in late 1946. He earned accolades like being named Man of the Year by the National Pickle Packers Association. Auerbach's unique charm lay in his friendly rapport with Jack Benny, distinguishing him from other characters. Mr. Kitzel persistently appeared even as the show transitioned from radio to television until Auerbach's passing in 1957.
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