George Burns, along with his wife Gracie Allen, formed the 20th century husband-and-wife comedy duo "Burns and Allen".
They would end their stage shows and television program with the immortal phrase "Say Goodnight Gracie". This phrase made it's first appearance at the Roxy Theater in New York City, in 1931. After attempting to learn humor, with little success, Data accidentially paraphrased their hallmark and elicited laughter among the crew on the Enterprise-D. (TNG: "The Outrageous Okona")
Two humpback whales, George and Gracie, were named for these comedians, prior to being transported to 23rd century San Francisco. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)
- Actor and impressionist Frank Gorshin became well-known for playing George Burns on stage.