J.B. Biggley

Who is J.B. Biggley?

Biggley runs the World Wide Wicket Company as its blustering, easily flattered president, a man more concerned with his own comfort and reputation than with the details of running his business. His fondness for his old college fraternity and his susceptibility to flattery make him an easy target for the scheming Finch to manipulate.

Biggley also carries on a not so secret affair with his secretary Hedy LaRue, a subplot that adds to the show's satire of executive hypocrisy while Biggley remains largely oblivious to how easily he is being played.

Biggley's role in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Biggley is a supporting role built for a strong comic actor, since much of his material involves being outmaneuvered by Finch's flattery and schemes, including a running joke about their shared college fraternity chant. The part requires broad comic timing rather than heavy vocal demands.

Rudy Vallee originated the role on Broadway in 1961 and reprised it in the 1967 film adaptation, becoming closely identified with the character. Audiences remember Biggley as the embodiment of the show's satire of executives who mistake charm and old ties for genuine competence.

J.B. Biggley: frequently asked questions