When I was a younger guy doing comedy, it was a big struggle. Promoters canceled me out of clubs left and right when I called somebody a dummy or a yo-yo. Then they realized I was different.
Don RicklesRead
You can't study comedy; it's within you. It's a personality. My humor is an attitude.
Interpretation
Comedy is an inherent trait and an expression of personality rather than something that can be taught.
In this quote, Don Rickles emphasizes that the essence of comedy comes from within a person, suggesting that humor is deeply tied to one's personality and attitude towards life. Rather than being a skill that can be acquired through study or practice, true comedic ability reflects an individual's inherent characteristics and perspective, highlighting the importance of authenticity in humor.
In practice
In a comedy workshop, I reminded the students that as Don Rickles said, 'You can't study comedy; it's within you.'
When I was a younger guy doing comedy, it was a big struggle. Promoters canceled me out of clubs left and right when I called somebody a dummy or a yo-yo. Then they realized I was different.
I think if I took therapy, the doctor would quit. He'd just pick up the couch and walk out of the room.
The young comedians always ask me, 'What's the secret for staying around?' I tell them, 'There is no secret - just stay around. Longevity is the most important thing.'
My dream in life is to write the one gag that makes everyone in the world laugh.
I have no intention of retiring; I can't imagine not doing stand-up. That's where I started and where I'll be.
The truth is, laughter always sounds more perfect than weeping. Laughter flows in a violent riff and is effortlessly melodic. Weeping is often fought, choked, half strangled, or surrendered to with humiliation.
I'm half-Irish, half-Dutch, and I was born in Belgium. If I was a dog, I'd be in a hell of a mess!
Sponges grow in the ocean. That just kills me. I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be if that didn't happen.
If you've heard this story before, don't stop me, because I'd like to hear it again.
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