Category
jewish
Spectator – ‘Sit Down’ Standup With David & Co.
In an age of assimilation, a couple of generations removed from the ghetto, can Jews still be funny? Yes, says David Steinberg, host of the new talk show, \”Sit Down Comedy With David Steinberg,\” which premiered this past Wednesday on TV Land.
Queen of Laughter
The self-described raconteur refuses to label herself a stand-up comedian. But Rhea Kohan\’s wit has, over the last decade, made her a sought-after personality in the local Jewish community, and she refuses to charge money for her humorous hostessing.
Not a Day Over 39
Jack Benny will be honored this weekend at a convention, \”39 Forever,\” sponsored by the International Jack Benny Fan Club and the National Comedy Hall of Fame.
JAKKS Jumps for Children
When the Jewish actor-comedian wanted to do something to help brighten the lives of Israeli children wounded in suicide bombings, he contacted his friend Stephen Berman, president and COO of JAKKS Pacific toy company.
The collaborative effort resulted in a donation and shipment of more than 500 toys to hospitals in Tel Aviv, each with a personal note from Sandler included. However, while the celebrity\’s name was probably the most recognizable to the children, it was the lesser-acclaimed Berman whose massive donation made the whole thing possible.
Being Jan Murray
The first time I saw Jan Murray perform was on my TV in 1964.
Fade to Black
Two Jewish pioneers of the popular culture, comedian Milton Berle and director Billy Wilder, died last week in Los Angeles.
Something to Laugh About
\”The Haunted Smile: The Story of Jewish Comedians in America\” by Lawrence J. Epstein (Public Affairs, $27.50).
\”I\’ll tell you. I don\’t get no respect. My mother stopped breast-feeding me as a kid. She told me she liked me like a friend.\” (Rodney Dangerfield)
For as long as I\’ve been a comedian, I\’ve been asked two questions over and over:
Why are there so many Jewish comedians? And why do you think Jews are so funny?
In
Comic Riff
It\’s Day 1 of rehearsal for the new and improved version of Richard Krevolin\’s \”King Levine,\” scheduled to reopen at the Tiffany on May 1.
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