Now that we’re in more progressive times, the culture of the 1950’s might look repressive and reactionary. Be that as it may, the 50’s comedians freed us to laugh at ourselves. Their most popular work came to us through television.

Milton Berle – “Uncle Miltie” – came from vaudeville to become the first major TV star. His skits kept the same vaudeville slapstick that he had served up on stage.

Red Skelton started his career as a circus clown, and his television series had that same over-the-top humor. Read the rest of this entry »

Even four years after his death, the world still remembers and mourns the passing of George Carlin – a late great funny man who pulled no punches and told you no lies. If your television service provider is somebody like www.Direct2TV.com and you look hard enough, you’re bound to find one of his specials and it’s worth the money.

Sometimes considered a little mouthy and a little abrasive and just a smidge subversive, George had a very earnest sincerity to his thoughts and opinions. He would tell you the truth about the world and offer you his strong views about the BS surrounding it, but only because he respected you too much to lie.

It was the frankness and openness in his character and stage personality that made him endearing to the public, which is why it was such a shock and a tragedy when he finally bit the bullet. On June 22, 2008 at 5:55 PM Pacific Time, George was admitted to Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica where he succumbed to heart failure at the age of 71.

And while Carlin will be sorely missed by the world, we remember his legacy and the way he would make us laugh more than anything else. And, frankly, that’s the way he would have wanted it.

When Kathy Griffin’s show “Life on the D-List” came out, I understood exactly why this unfunny lady would be at the top of the D-List. Indeed, I suspect the D-List exists to keep such hackneyed comedy, and I use that term loosely, from the public eye. With her look-at-me attitude, she consistently makes me cringe and look away. The best way to describe my feelings about this so-called comdedianne seems to be, “I’m embarrassed FOR her!”.

While many unfunny comics gain success in the world, I’m happy to say that aside from her Read the rest of this entry »

Before film making technology allowed for “talkies”, which were movies featuring sound, films had to rely strictly on visuals in order to entertain the audience. Although most silent movies were accompanied by a live piano player, it was the truly physical performances of the actors on screen that helped bring the magic of film to the audience.

Charlie Chaplin was the most famous of silent comedic actors from early films. He mastered the art of slapstick comedy, which is a comedic style that uses exaggerated violence Read the rest of this entry »

Many argue it is healthy to laugh each day, and comedy is the delivery for that often much needed burst of laughter. Today comedy is a huge element of culture and communication, being able to break the ice at awkward or tense meetings as well as cheering up someone who may be upset. One can find a joke being told almost anywhere whether it is on the radio, the television, or on a street corner with friends. But let’s look at comedy of the past; in particular, Read the rest of this entry »

For a comedian just starting out, the best way to develop his or her craft is to write and practice. Top comedians like Louie CK and Chris Rock spent years perfecting their work before their big break. If a comedian is at the beginning of a career, he or she has to understand that some patience is required, as it takes time and effort to develop the pacing and timing to succeed in the comedy world.

One surefire technique to become a better comedian is to get up in front of audiences and tell jokes. This gets the person comfortable Read the rest of this entry »

In the world of comedy, Bob Newhart is an American legend. With his dry sense of humor, is pleasant personality, and that face that has been seen so many times throughout the years, people of all ages can still appreciate his jokes and storytelling. In a day and age where so many comics believe they must be brash and vulgar in order to get the audience’s attention, Newhart can turn a phrase, time a joke just right, and have people rolling in their Read the rest of this entry »