Have a Happy Ha! Ha! ;)

World Laughter Day

Today is ‘World Laughter day’; what better day to put a little thought into comedy. I’m just finished reading another book by, Larry Wilde, “Great Comedians Talk About Comedy.” What can I say? ...I’m just Wilde about Larry! It opens with a little discussion about comedic techniques, but, the main part is just a series of interviews with some of the best Comedians of our time ...well, mainly of time past. It’s worth it alone, to my mind, for just the chapters on Milton Berle, Woody Allen & Phylis Diller.

For the past while I’ve been giving much thought to just where, exactly, I fit in the comic spectrum. To me, the essence of any ‘wit’ I can lay claim to is based on word play ...just love it and would never give it up; there’s nothing I relish more in this world than a ‘well turned phrase!’ When the ‘Jester’ and I were touring Alberta he made one comment that is still stuck in my mind; “You’ll never have to worry about people stealing your material ...nobody could do it but you!” While I more or less agree with him, I might quibble only on his phrasing; “Nobody could” or ... “Nobody would”? There’s a world of difference in there ...somewhere!

Then, I read, ‘Uncle Miltie’, and it turns out, he said it first and best: “A Comic says funny things. A Comedian says things funny!” So, with those words in mind, I’ll work towards being a Comedian, and keep on trying to, ‘say things funny’! It took some time to track down Wilde’s book, but it was worth the wait. I’ve another, by him, on order and it promises to be the best, it’s; “How the Great Comedy Writers Create Laughter”. I’ve had it on order for a while, and have no idea how long it will take. Now I’m going to quote a little bit by Phyllis Diller, on ‘advice to someone who has made the decision to become a comedian’.

“People who think show biz is all glamour sometimes think there is nothing to it, excepting just walk out and be gorgeous and sing or dance or talk. Into all branches of show business go years of work, experience, or training, or all three. When it looks easy, you’re looking at art! To get started in show business, start where you are. There are those who think you have to go to Hollywood or New York to get into the business. I say, a trip around the world starts with the first step and the first step can only be taken in one spot: where you’re standing right now.

Once you’re working, taste is as important as talent. A lot of people who are loaded with talent have no taste. They can’t possibly ever make it. Believing in yourself is completely imperative. Every doubt you have weakens you. You have to be able to face humiliating failure. You have to have great stamina and excellent health.


People have a completely mistaken idea about “Breaks.” There is no such thing as “Breaks.” If you’re looking for “Breaks” you’ve got your eye on the wrong thing. Many people turn down opportunities because they are usually disguised as “hard work.” You’d be amazed the people who will not go out on a limb or progress, or change and hurt a little for a while, to expand their powers. Most are prone to take the easy way, the comfy way. If you’re not hurting a little, you’re not growing.


An entertainer should never give up on-stage. No matter how badly things are going, you keep right on as if everything was all right. A performer who consistently blames “the audience” will never make it. There is no such thing as a bad audience, only a bad performance.


After all, they’re there. They paid to see you. You’re supposed to be the leader and take them where you please. You should not be affected by them, they should be affected by you. If they aren’t, you’re not strong enough to be up there in the white hot lights.


Summing up my advice:


1. Start where you are.
2. Work steady.
3. Read “The Magic of Believing".
4. Realize you’re not going to have “help.”
5. Don’t ever give up.”

Thank you very much Phyllis ...you’re one dilly of a filly! I’d really suggest you read Larry Wilde’s book, “Great Comedians Talk About Comedy.”