Bobby Slayton – nicknamed both “Yid Vicious” and “The Pit Bull Of Comedy” to those who know him well — has been performing his own intense style of stand-up comedy for over 40 years. One of the most respected, and energetic comics working today, Slayton’s many television credits include “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The Tonight Show,” “Family Guy” and his own Showtime special “Born To Be Bobby,” while you may have also seen him in the films “The Rat Pack,” “Get Shorty,” “Ed Wood” and “Dreamgirls.”
Slayton’s latest project is “A Small Book Of Jewish Comedians,” as released via Reel Art Press earlier this month. Co-authored with Reel Art Press founder and editor-in-chief Tony Nourmand, “A Small Book Of Jewish Comedians” shines a light on many of those who have dominated the comedy scene and brought joy to so many throughout their lives. And happen to be Jewish. This includes Larry David, Mel Brooks, Garry Shandling, Buddy Hackett, Sid Caesar, Jackie Mason, Gilda Radner, Groucho Marx, Lenny Bruce, Rita Rudner, Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, Jerry Lewis, and George Burns. Quite possibly my favorite book of 2021, this release not only includes rare photographs of comedy greats, yet also some of their best material.
On October 28, 2021, I had the pleasure – and I do mean “the pleasure” – of speaking with Bobby Slayton via Zoom, as embedded below. Among the topics we discussed within our chat:
- How the comedians were selected for “A Small Book Of Jewish Comedians”
- Whether we may see a second edition of “A Small Book Of Jewish Comedians,” given how many other great comics and writers there have been over the years
- Why he considers himself “semi-retired” while still being in great shape, having representation and being ready to perform
- How he really feels about his Hebrew school education
- Career highlights as both a stand-up comedian and an actor
- Favorite spots to dine at in Los Angeles and Las Vegas
More on Bobby Slayton and “A Small Book Of Jewish Comedians” can be found by clicking here, here and here.
