Autographed Standard AFTRA Engagement Contract: Hand-Signed by George Burns (Late Night with David Letterman 1984)
This entry showcases an authentic, primary-source piece of classic comedy history, broadcast television lore, and late-night entertainment contract ephemera: an official typed AFTRA network television contract, hand-signed by legendary Academy Award-winning comedian and actor George Burns.
Spanning nearly a century across vaudeville, radio, film, and television, George Burns (1896–1996) stands among the most durable and beloved figures in American entertainment history. Partnering with his wife Gracie Allen as the classic comedy team Burns and Allen, he dominated radio and television throughout the mid-20th century. At age 80, Burns won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Sunshine Boys (1975), followed by his iconic starring title role in Oh, God! (1977), continuing to perform stand-up comedy into his nineties.
Dated October 17, 1984, this official Standard AFTRA Engagement Contract for Network Television between National Broadcasting Company, Inc. (NBC) and George Burns ("Performer") formalizes Burns's guest appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. Executed at NBC's Rockefeller Plaza studios in New York City, the contract lists a principal performance classification for a scale fee of $490.
On the "Performer" execution line in the lower left corner, George Burns has rendered a fine signature in dark ink:
"George Burns"
The document is countersigned on the right execution line by NBC Associate Producer Lisbeth Anderson, bearing handwritten production annotations at the top margin ("Late Night with David Letterman / Pgm & Tal").
Preserved in fine vintage condition on standard AFTRA document paper stock, featuring crisp typed text, official NBC television network markings, light handling wear, and a clean signature, this contract serves as an essential centerpiece for classic comedy archivists, late-night television collectors, and George Burns displays.
Contract Specifications
-
OFFICIAL 1984 NBC / AFTRA ENGAGEMENT CONTRACT: Authentic typed network television contract for George Burns on Late Night with David Letterman.
-
LATE-NIGHT BROADCAST EPHEMERA: Formalizes Burns's October 17, 1984 guest appearance at NBC's Rockefeller Plaza studios.
-
EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION: Preserved in fine condition with clear document paper stock, sharp typing, and clean margins.
Autograph Specifications & Provenance
-
HAND-SIGNED BY GEORGE BURNS: Authentically autographed in dark ink ("George Burns") on the performer execution line by George Burns.
-
DISTINCT VINTAGE INK SIGNATURE: Features a clean, fully legible signature alongside NBC associate producer counter-signatures.
