You can't study comedy; it's within you. It's a personality. My humor is an attitude.
Don RicklesRead
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.'
Interpretation
The key to success is simply to continue being present and active in your field.
In this quote, Don Rickles emphasizes that there is no magical formula for achieving longevity in one's career, especially in comedy. Instead, he points out that the most crucial factor is to remain consistent and persistent, suggesting that mere presence and the willingness to continue performing are what ultimately lead to lasting success.
In practice
In a graduation speech to encourage students to stay dedicated to their paths.
You can't study comedy; it's within you. It's a personality. My humor is an attitude.
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.
Neurosis is just a high-class word for whining.
You've got to be honest; if you can fake that, you've got it made.
It was great to be the rock comic, the shock comic. But after you've played Giants Stadium with Bon Jovi in front of 82,000 people, after you've done the 'Wild Thing' video with Jessica Hahn and every rock band from hell, you're not gonna top that.
Seriously, I've just realized that almost everyone is a fraud, so I try not to feel too bad about it.
A laugh, if purchased at the expense of propriety, costs too much.
Let there be dancing in the streets, drinking in the saloons, and necking in the parlor.
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