2 Parts Funny: Licensed to kill gophers
02 June 2008 by 180|360
Generally speaking, when asked what trait I am most attracted to in a person, "personality" and/or "humor" will always win out over "looks" for me. I would much rather have someone make me laugh than be a pretty visual.While I am by no means a comedian, I would like to think I have a good sense of humor, even if half the time no one gets it! I figure if it makes me laugh, that is all that really matters. So the other day, I started to think about the evolution of one's humor; how it comes about, is influenced, and how it develops as you grow older.
The first comedy I remember seeing was Saturday Night Live when I was about 12 years old. I had a friend who had older siblings that turned us onto the show. I wasn't technically allowed to stay up that late, but I tried to watch it as much as possible and by the time I was in high school, I was pretty much hooked.
I was also lucky because I had a lot of funny friends surrounding me. One boyfriend in particular, played all of the classic movies I'd missed in my youth. I was schooled in popular 80's director's like Harold Ramis, Brian Doyle-Murray, John Landis and Mel Brooks. I quickly fell in love with Chevy Chase and Bill Murray (hello, Caddyshack.) In fact, I named an entire tank of fish after all of those guys! Murray ended up eating most of them and Aykroyd jumped out of the tank, but it was a laugh having funny fish. In high school, I had a cool English teacher that introduced me to the wonderful British humor of Monty Python. Little did I know then that I would one day marry a funny Brit (who was also a fan) and who would later introduce me to Blackadder and Fawlty Towers, or who would enjoy watching Inspector Jacques Clouseau as much as I did! And together we discovered the comedic genius of Ricky Gervais and Stephan Merchant (Extras and The Office.)
And let's not forget my stage life (ahem)! During my years in the theatre, I always managed to play the klutzy girl who dropped the entire tray of crystal wine glasses (okay that wasn't written into the script, but STILL!) and as a latent ballerina- I was always given the vaudeville-type characters like "Dopey" in Snow White, where I tripped and fell for 3 hours and in general looked anything but a graceful dancer! It was alright though, because they were the fun roles.But it wasn't until college that I began my odyssey into celluloid- where I watched hundreds of classic films that were also instrumental in forming my sense of humor.
In an effort to not put my readers to sleep, or lose my staunchest supporter (who basically said she's not reading my long posts any more,) I figured I'd split this post into two. Tomorrow, I will break down my top female comedic influences. I thought I'd stick with funny girls because it would turn out to be the longest post EVER if I included men.
And speaking of funny girls... if you want to meet an actual comedian- go check out my friend and fellow blogger, Walking Punchline. Not only has she introduced me to some hilarious current comedians on her Friday Stand-up posts, she's also a great Scrabulous opponent. (Did you see the badge I made for her?) Even though I haven't seen her perform, I figure she must be good, judging by what she thinks is funny. There's a whole world of comedians out there that I didn't even know existed until she brought them to my attention. So thank you, Punchline for steering me in the right direction.
Coming tomorrow... 2 Parts Funny: Chocolate Babies and the Chunky Funklers
"My sister wanted to be an actress, but she never made it. She does live in a trailer. She got halfway. She's an actress, she just never gets called to the set. " ~ Mitch Hedberg
Posts
Steve Martin, Peter Sellers, Mel Brooks, Ricky Gervais...All tops on my list.
I enjoy good stand-up, but rarely get introduced to anything good/new. Most recently I heard Patton Oswalt's latest recording. Made me laugh out loud at work. I'll have to check out 'Walking Punchline' Thanks!
I love funny. I am drawn to people who bring out the funny in me, the banter back and forth. I love comedy too. Steve Martin is my fave. When we first got a VCR in the 80s, my dad would record Johnny Carson and Jay Leno used to sub for him before he got the show. After dinner every night we'd sit with our dad and watch the previous night's episodes. I love it when i stay up late at night and turn the tv on in bed and one of those shows are on. I should Tivo and watch them earlier!
funny is so important. yes yes yes.
I'm totally blushing...you're the best!
My earliest memory of stand-up was listening to Eddie Murphy at the age of 8 or 9- older brothers. I was a SNL junkie, too, and as a kid, whenever anyone would ask me who my hero was I would always tell them David Letterman, because of his great sense of humor! Great post- I'm excited to read more!
Your "Technorati Top 1,000,000" badge is most excellent. If I keep up my blog, I want one too. For when you're just one of the millions
I love good stand-up, but I hate it when people tell jokes. I'd rather hear a good funny story, than some stupid "Two guys walk into a bar..."
I've loved SNL for eons (literally, eons) and I would stay up late to watch Benny Hill as a kid. And one of my favorite movies is The Holy Grail. It's intersting how some of us are drawn to British humor... and how it flies over the heads of so many.
p.s. read AND commented :p
SNL, Monty Python, Ricky Gervais (especially Extras), and Caddyshack. You've hit the highlights and given me a lot to remember - and smile about - during the work day.
I love to laugh and surround myself with funny people. Strangely enough, I can't tell a joke to save my life.
I too love English humor.I was raised on it.
You're making this young lady one very proud Brit today!
*smug grin*
Alphadaddy- You will love the comics she puts on there.
Steppin- I LOVE Steve Martin, too. Sadly, I haven't seen much Carson. And I'm more of a Letterman girl!
Punchline- I don't think I heard Eddie Murphy until I was in junior high. Dave rocks.
LVGurl- We should have a cocktail movie night and watch some Monty Python together. That would be fun. (Thanks for gracing us with your presence! :P)
Joe- YAY! Another Extra's fan. Did you see the finale? I just watched it the other night.
Gorillabuns- I can't tell jokes either. My kids are better at it than I am and their's make NO sense.
GuiltySecret- You should be proud! I also like Eddie Izzard!
I love everyone of those comedians and comedies that you mentioned. Have you ever see any Preston Sturges films, like the Miracle of Morgan's Creek, from the 1940's? Really funny... well, to me. My favorite comedies.
I think I watched Stripes on HBO 18,456 times in middle school. Definitely turned the channel when parents walked by the door. (As in, got up, went to the cable box and turned the knob on top of the tv.)
I love love love your fish picture. You have talent and humor my friend.
BRING ON THE FUNNY!
Humor is SO important to me! I could not make it through life without it.
I grew up watching most of the same. SNL was crucial, as was vintage Eddie Murphy.
I also think that YOU are pretty dang hilarious. That's why I am happy to consider you a friend :)