Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy with Randy and Steve

Jaksot

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  Tig Notaro 15.09.2026 3min

  Tig Notaro will always be known for the fearless way she dealt with a tough cancer diagnosis -- by including it in her stand-up act just four days later. Of course, that was just an extreme example of Tig's deadpan but sharply pointed style which she has turned into a stellar comedy and acting career. A native of Mississippi, Tig first came to Los Angeles as a musician and music promoter, but soon discovered standup -- and standup crowds soon discovered her. In 2015, Tig co-wrote, produced, and starred in a semi-autographical Amazon Prime show (One Mississippi). And in 2019 she began a role that guarantees her a slot at any ComicCon she wants to attend -- that of Jett Reno, a deadpan but delightfully snarky engineer on Star Trek: Discover and Starfleet Academy. No doubt that will continue to take her career and "boldly go where no one has gone before." As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Tig Notaro? Tig has also established a fine acting career including a recurring role on Star Trek: Discovery and Starfleet Academy. https://www.tiktok.com/@star.../video/7543667167225597198... Tig's breakout moment was a true exercise in comic courage as she took a devastating diagnosis and immediately worked it into her act. https://youtu.be/9Kz-lV4t-3w?si=7NNX-1YBJq_UbsQQ Tig's style was evident from the start -- as in this early appearance on Comedy Central Presents. https://youtu.be/sRjjNC85Cjo?si=FZ29uRLTaCg9AVLX Here's a longer clip of Tig discussing how she went from class clown to standup star. https://youtu.be/i17O1YK2AJA?si=3N7VMzVRq84PVm3c
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  George Burns 08.09.2026 3min

  We frequently say that "comedy keeps you young" and today we present exhibit #1 -- George Burns -- who went from vaudeville to radio and tv, to movies (often with his comedy and life partner Gracie Allen). Then, at an age when most of us are looking for a rocking chair, George managed to score a hit country song, win an Academy Award, play God, and headline top clubs across the nation. One of the best-loved of the old school comedians, George killed with sly wit and timing rather than bluster. And famously, George signed a lifetime contract in Vegas ensuring he would have a show on his 100th birthday. That didn't quite happen, though George lived past 100 and when he passed Hollywood paid tribute and Vegas dimmed its lights in his honor. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more George Burns? In 1980 George climbed the country charts (in his early 80s) with this nostalgic classic. https://youtu.be/vxuvFGbh9TI?si=dZ_FPSFtgFEvyi0l George Burns and Gracie Allen were inseparable and their comic timing superb. Here they recreate an old vaudeville sketch for television. https://youtu.be/nfdS8c7Bj7o?si=jPVFtf2Ysp5NMTWV When his close friend Jack Benny took ill, George stepped into his role in movie of Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys. This trailer has a bit of old Hollywood flavor. https://youtu.be/ZADVjV3_W_0?si=FtulkDPz0TQQDBMw George was a favorite of Johnny Carson and this clip shows why with some great storytelling. https://youtu.be/gffET3fOJlo?si=kyCf9NA0SOHUWbsZ
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  John Paragon 01.09.2026 3min

  Happy September comedy fans -- we have a treat for you this week. You may not know the name John Paragon but you sure know his work. Paragon was part of the Groundlings Improv Troupe that spawned such huge stars as Paul Reubens and Cassandra Peterson. He helped Paul turn into Pee Wee Herman and Cassandra into Elvira, Mistress of the Night. For Pee Wee he also played Jambi the Genie, a character carried over to the television version of the Pee Wee Herman Show. For Elvira, Paragon wrote many of her most famous lines and on her Movie Macabre show he appeared as a phone-in fan called "The Breather." John also had his own comedy special and worked steadily as an actor, writer and director. No wonder his special called him "The Paragon of Comedy." As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more John Paragon? For Pee Wee Herman John played Jambi the Genie who would lead everyone in a very special chant -- all together now! https://www.reddit.com/r/Xennials/s/45EKQIxFKB John scored his own special in 1983 called The Paragon of Comedy. We've marked the clip to start with the full Ramon Azteca bit, but the whole thing is worth watching. https://youtu.be/lpL_Svu7o6M?si=76aZwVd2K8N7cmE4&t=2826   John was a close friend of Cassandra Peterson, aka Elvira, and wrote many great lines as well as playing The Breather on Elvira's Movie Macabre. https://youtu.be/QuLKSXe8Ah0?si=PX0MmEN8-GdYRipm
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  Bill Maher 25.08.2026 3min

  If you like your comedy laced with strong and sharp observations about our current politics and culture, look no further than Bill Maher who has made a career out of serving up just that. After early work as an actor, Bill really found his path doing standup comedy. He turned that into a long-running series ("Politically Incorrect"), another longer-running series ("Real Time"), a hit documentary ("Religulous"), and best-selling books and standup tours. Along the way he has become a vocal proponent and consumer of cannabis as well as an animal rights activist. Maher's gift for stirring up controversy on both sides of the aisle has made his show a magnet for people wanting smart conversations laced with acerbic wit. (To be fair, Maher's other gift for stepping over the comedy line has also come back to bite him on occasion). The recipient of this year's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Bill shows no signs of slowing down -- good news indeed for comedy fans. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Maher? Does Bill have something to say about Ronald Reagan? Of course he does -- as in this bit from 2007's HBO special The Decider. https://youtu.be/j8FrNEGO7q8?si=SBbfrYZcndlUppFK Bill's first Carson spot showed the outlines of the career that was to come. (And it reinforced Carson's enormous role in highlighting new comedians). https://youtu.be/V__wp4xvTjI?si=wzjq8d2vxrs7XXah Since 2003 Bill has hosted Real Time on HBO. One recurring segment (and one spun off into best-selling books) is New Rules where Bill provides helpful suggestions for the nation. https://youtu.be/6dMOfwUP0F0?si=x9dujP71LLfyO4GZ  
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  Anthony Jeselnik 11.08.2026 3min

  This week we meet Anthony Jeselnik who has turned a "lightbulb moment" into a booming career as the modern prince of dark comedy. Originally intending to be a novelist, Anthony discovered a stand up comedy course in LA and his new career trajectory was set. Gaining experience and exposure as a writer and roaster on Comedy Central's roast series, Anthony developed a comic persona that is can walk you right up to the line -- and then step over it in a way you didn't see coming. A well-named Comedy Central show (The Jeselnik Offensive) further established his style and though a short stint as host of Last Comic Standing didn't click, a continuing run of Netflix specials, comedy tours and podcast episodes keeps Anthony at the top of the heap for those who like their comedy with an edge. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Anthony Jeselnik? Anthony is a top standup draw with a style that is perfect for his dark observations. https://youtu.be/iTUNOw5bo48?si=2TioTDa02tykNpYN Anthony's big boost came from his work as a writer and roaster on Comedy Central's no-holds-barred roasts including this one of bad boy Charlie Sheen. https://youtu.be/jqzFTuuOHyk?si=E5ae8DNW6vLrUall Anthony had a two season run as host of the Jeselnik Offensive which found him in unusual situations -- such as performing standup for an audience made up entirely of members of the Church of Satan. https://youtu.be/a-UBqlEHcr8?si=Wta_8VRV5-fB9AhG
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  Brent Butt 04.08.2026 3min

  Join us north of the border as we meet Brent Butt who has become a Canadian comedy legend with a long stand-up career, a smash sitcom (and movie), a well-received novel, and a shelf full of awards. From a small town in Saskatchewan, Brent started his comedy career at amateur nights, then moved to Toronto and started his climb to the top of the comedy ladder. Brent also created the sitcom Corner Gas in which he played the owner of the only gas station for miles in -- you guessed it -- Saskatchewan. That show spawned a movie and an animated version, and Brent has also continued as a standup and more recently a novelist. Not bad for a small town lad! As always find extra clips below and thanks for watching our shows! Want more Brent Butt? Here's Brent with more hair, fewer wrinkles and, as always, great material from Just For Laughs in 1992. https://youtu.be/YXWT5OmFdDs?si=Z3mDgJEQ3bFaxOHO Corner Gas was a hit sitcom in Canada and Brent's sly portrayal of gas station owner Brent Leroy was the centerpiece. Here are some more highlights from Dog River.https://youtu.be/sJ_DbLx4-i8?si=O9KdBK_9o6yqgZdD Brent remains a top standup draw in Canada and his recent work celebrates his longevity (and his receding hairline), https://youtu.be/YmdkyUdKwhs?si=q-W4pEnIxADkYE3d  
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  Anna Russell 28.07.2026 3min

  Pull out your opera glasses because Anna Russell is here to poke some good natured fun at all things operatic. After realizing she didn't have the chops to be a true diva, Anna pivoted and merged her admirable singing voice with some sly and sharp parody of the art form. Through a series of albums and one-woman shows, Anna was a favorite of opera fans (at least ones with a sense of humor) from the 1940s through her retirement in the 1980s. Her major claim to fame was a very funny deconstruction of Wagner's the Ring. And what did Anna say to critics who said she had insulted a great piece of music. Just this: "I merely tell the story as accurately as possible and play the bits of music exactly as written. I can't help it if the story is absurd." As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Anna Russell? Anna's main claim to fame was her fabulous take down of Wagner's Ring. First released in 1953, the routine remained a mainstay of her act for the rest of her career. https://youtu.be/Us6CrJzJlIc?si=Ftv-OfPJv8lt0UuB Here Anna parodies folk tunes on the wonderful Alistair Cooke show Omnibus. Somehow TV was more adventurous in the 1950s! https://youtu.be/UQ4IdPB_aFE?si=nQ9DaGtjZkOOPu0y Like fellow musical parodist PDQ Bach, Anna had fun discussing the ins and outs of unusual musical instruments. Take the bagpipe. . . please. https://youtu.be/xKWZbFNzFhs?si=uXkXZ3sRg87plZph
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  John Byner 21.07.2026 3min

  So back in the day you could see vintage entertainers such as Dean Martin, Jackie Mason, Ed Sullivan, Glen Campbell, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Or you could just see John Byner and he would cover them all with spot-on impressions, combined with fine stand-up comedy. When young John offered up his version of Bing Crosby singing "Accentuate the Positive" at age 6 his path in life was clear. As an adult, his early gigs were supported by a day job at a swimming pool company but he soon found fans and became a regular opening act for jazz artists in NY and DC. Along with his nightclub work John was a sought after guest star on sitcom and talk/variety shows, landed a recurring role on Soap, and starred in a popular Canadian tv sketch show. Now 88, John maintains a fun website with highlights from his long career. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more John Byner? Here's a nice slice of John's stand-up from the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour back in 1970. https://youtu.be/Ej3pZWwxTfE?si=pPcGXGTkipGK8nJx Byner was a favorite of Ed Sullivan and the feeling was mutual -- watch John imitate the master himself. https://youtu.be/hzE97Bov1kk?si=_uD12rTtzqFhzEkP An unusual project, The Ant and the Aardvark had 17 theatrical short episodes, and featured Byner voicing both characters -- using Dean Martin for the Ant and Jackie Mason for the Aardvark.https://youtu.be/lVXoXlqqxuk?si=4gp349eO7Chck0uE In 2020 John published an autobiography ("Five Minutes Mr. Byner") that covers his career, his favorite impersonation subjects, and how he approaches his craft. https://youtu.be/6CwKq6I-oZI?si=U4n_nuUMF59dBb_I
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  Harry Shearer 14.07.2026 3min

  Today we meet one of the sharpest satirists of the last 40 years, Harry Shearer. We could also say Mr. Burns or Kent Brockman -- two of the Simpsons characters he voices. Or we could say the the long term host of a weekly comedy and music program called Le Show, as well as the creator of great comedy albums with The Credibility Gap as well as solo. And oh yeah, Harry was part of the crew that came in to rescue SNL as it floundered after the original cast departed. Or, perhaps he is Derek Smalls, bassist for the mockumentary rock kings Spinal Tap. Check it out to find out more -- as always there are extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Harry Shearer? Harry provides so many great voices for the Simpsons it's hard to keep track, but here is a fun sampling. https://youtu.be/3X2JLl9U4Rw?si=eEDJiukahjM56VEw Harry has two short runs on SNL in the 1980s and while he didn't stay long his bits remains classic. This one features Harry and Martin Short as the world's first male synchronized swimming team. https://www.reddit.com/r/LiveFromNewYork/s/eTMzv1qmyw The Credibility Gap isn't as well known as the Firesign Theater, but they should be. A creation born of the LA radio scene in the early 1970s, the Gap specialized in precise takedowns - including this homage to Abbott and Costello's classic Who's on First. https://youtu.be/YEvwW1yqIjA?si=yd-92mP5Km6YLqUV
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  Seth Rogen 07.07.2026 3min

  You might want to wait until 4:20 to fire up this episode. And why not -- this time we feature Seth Rogan, comedian, movie star, and enthusiastic cannabis consumer. Hailing from Vancouver, BC Seth managed to score a role in Freaks and Geeks at age 16, befriended the show's creator Judd Apatow who recognized his talent, then parlayed that beginning into a run of outrageously funny movies, award winning tv shows, and memorable voice roles. And Seth is Canadian to the core, turning down a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in favor of one on Canada's Walk of Fame. So next time you are in Toronto stop by and leave an herbal offering to this comedy master if you can -- you never know when Seth might be in the neighborhood. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Seth Rogen? Seth started young, performing standup in his teens. You could see already see a star in the making. https://youtu.be/IPnNntVI1DQ?si=Mkxx8qbsQOH_xMkp Seth has become known for cannabis friendly films -- and none more so than Pineapple Express. Here Seth and his dealer played by James Franco try to navigate a novel joint. https://youtu.be/0L0QQa_MvK0?si=hvcHNBBe6WOP40Op Seth's most recent hit is The Studio, an Apple TV show about a legacy movie studio trying to survive. https://youtu.be/EIQuE7JGXU8?si=_Okh9g8JRV5tfChN
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  Orson Bean 30.06.2026 3min

  People who are famous for just being famous have been around forever but this weeks Legend Orson Bean gladly took that role, calling himself a "Neo-celebrity." Orson is being far too modest about a career that started out with a magic act, evolved into stand up comedy, was featured on Broadway and in top NYC cabarets, logged many hours on game and talk shows, and worked steadily as a guest star on tv and in movies. Orson also helped found a Laurel and Hardy society and a (for the time) radical primary school. So while Orson called himself a "Neo-celebrity" we prefer to think of him as a "renaissance man". As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Orson Bean? From the days of black and white tv, here's a running gag between Orson and host Bud Collier on To Tell the Truth.https://youtu.be/qo8pM9LaojM?si=ueaOI_ZENiukCfzC Orson was such a game show stalwart that even a cameo -- here on The Match Game -- would bring the house down. https://youtu.be/YLDR8oc8k6Y?si=2eH1hOHp6yjh8iz6 Orson had a quick wit so he was a natural guest for talk shows including this appearance with Johnny Carson. https://youtu.be/LpFZOp9bdCY?si=K3-jA3nRYO0typ-A Orson found some prime roles in his career including the eccentric Dr. Lester in Being John Malkovich. https://youtu.be/DSGYElDi38s?si=j6AfFlMnG_XgVQUk
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  Kenan Thompson 23.06.2026 3min

  Here's a great career arc -- go from appearing in kid's movies and shows to starring in your own movie, then join Saturday Night Live and stay there for 23 years (and counting). Of course there is only one Kenan Thompson, but his career is so much more than his record setting SNL stint. What's the secret sauce? Being easy to work with helps, there is also Kenan's gift (in the words of an SNL head writer) for this ability to take "ordinary lines and make them funny and funny lines and make them special". Along the way Kenan also has set the record for most celebrity impressions by an SNL cast member. But what's next for Kenan -- more SNL for sure, but he is also busy with more movies, sitcoms, and award show hosting duties. He also has a show with pal Kevin Hart just riffing on sports -- it's good to be Kenan! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Kenan? Kenan first broke out as a child actor in D2 The Mighty Ducks, then as a cast member on Nickelodeon's hit show All That. https://youtu.be/3FtmsZ17FZE?si=CeP8gvfaMrWr7uXD   Anyone who has watched SNL in recent years has surely seen Kenan absolutely nail an impression of Steve Harvey hosting Family Feud. https://youtu.be/AafBunu-k2U?si=t9SVaZRfUmoSTBTH   On SNL Kenan is a master of characters and this take on an imaginary BET show with a very enthusiastic host is a fan favorite. https://youtu.be/3HAiKX97AZI?si=rBA2eoHkXavEzwv4   Kenan has a new sports show with Kevin Hart on Prime Video. It's just a couple of great comics riffing on sports -- so of course it's hilarious. https://youtu.be/uxgGjuAjEUA?si=9EVMpY38QNAI20NQ  
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  Robin Duke 16.06.2026 3min

  This time out we meet the only woman to be a cast member of both SCTV and SNL -- and no, it's not Catherine O'Hara. Say hello to Robin Duke, another product of the stellar Canadian comedy scene. A veteran of Second City Toronto, Robin was there when SCTV was launched in the mid-1970s as a recurring cast member, moving up to the full cast in season three. Lorne Michaels had convinced Catherine O'Hara to join SNL, but a week iwas enough for Catherine to decide that SCTV was more her style. Enter Robin, who stayed with the cast until a major shakeup in 1984. At SNL Robin created a number of standout characters (Wendy Whiner anyone?) and after the show she took her talents into film and television, as well as an all-female, all-Canadian comedy troupe. With trademark Canadian modesty the group was named "Women Fully Clothed" and they have toured all over the world. And in a nice full circle moment, in 2016 Robin joined fellow SCTV cast members Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara in the hit CBC show Schitt's Creek. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Robin Duke? While at SNL, Robin played many characters -- none more memorable (at least in the nails on chalkboard sense) was long-suffering and long-complaining Wendy Whiner. https://www.reddit.com/r/LiveFromNewYork/s/BWOXoPIwT6 Robin's time at SCTV was before the show began airing in a 90 minute format on SCTV, but her clips are worth searching out online -- including this bit in which Robin plays Mollie Earl, the host of Crazy Crafts. https://youtu.be/yQA0n2xTeUs? In 2003 Robin started one of Canada's funniest exports -- the all-female, all-Canadian comedy troupe "Women Fully Clothed". https://youtu.be/yQA0n2xTeUs?si=_YcXcSPF574nKFn2 Robin scored a juicy recurring role on the CBC sitcom Schitt's Creek -- and it was a fine reunion with her SCTV pals Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara.https://youtu.be/qTZUGFYCzYU?si=OClFL_L1AXhPhHhF
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  Damon Fayans 09.06.2026 3min

  One of the funniest -- and edgiest -- sketch shows of the 1990s was In Living Color which introduced many of us to the Wayans family (and Jim Carrey to boot). And one of the edgiest parts of that edgiest sketch show was Damon Wayans, brother of show creator Keenan Ivory Wayans and a fearless satirist. Whether it was a homeboy with great money making ideas, a supremely flamboyant gay film reviewer, or a misanthropic clown Damon's characters always left you with a "can they say that" moment. A fine standup comic, as well as an actor and writer, Damon also racked up numerous movie credits, an armful of awards, and a best selling book along the way. He's still active so there is no doubt more to come, but we suspect one of his proudest achievements was in true Wayans' fashion making it a family affair when he starred with his son Damon Jr in the sitcom Poppa's house. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Damon? In Living Color reveled in blasting apart stereotypes -- or reinforcing them -- your pick. Either way, the Homeboys (Damon and brother Keenan) were huge hits. https://youtu.be/FSRQKSqvmvk?si=JPyk2SkwLnlats8W One of Damon's classic characters was Homey D. Clown, a misanthropic kids entertainer who reminds us that "Homey don't play that". https://youtu.be/_QhuBIkPXn0?si=eUqZNbPKbzpmF3z8 Damon has retired from standup but his old sets are worth a listen -- like this one about encountering a miffed Mike Tyson. https://youtu.be/YyQSYZwLFmo?si=j_fqmME-M_w-n-9B
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  Colin Jost 02.06.2026 3min

  Over its 50+ years Saturday Night Live has had many star making (and breaking) moments, including the coveted role of anchor on the show's Weekend Update news report. But when Seth Meyers departed that role for his own late night gig, who could have guessed that his successor would become the longest running anchor in show history. Colin Jost was born for the role, editing his high school newspaper, then becoming a cub reporter, then sending in a writing packet to SNL and getting hired in 2005. From there he became head writer, then he stepped into the Weekend Update slot which he (and long-time co-anchor Michael Che) have made must watch material. What will he do for an encore -- marry Scarlett Johansen? As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Colin Jost? The twice-yearly SNL joke swap has become a fun fixture of the show. In it, Jost and co-anchor Michael Che write jokes for each other that they must read live on air for the first time. Needless to say the results are gleefully inappropriate. https://youtu.be/-1uC5tBGlNg?si=rUKdClWZPf8JnQyy Colin's standup covers a broader range than Weekend Update, as in this bit from the Just for Laughs Festival. https://youtu.be/yPSFJwORLH0?si=8XsmAPKM7qdvATsn Most recently Colin has scored a major sketch role with his amped up portrayal of War Secretary Pete Hegseth. https://youtu.be/vZb1WO1_lGI?si=t0gKHXoxaP88w32b  
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  Michael Palin 26.05.2026 3min

  Whether you want to sell a dead parrot to an unsuspecting customer, travel around the world with a wry view of life, or simply figure out why a fish is called Wanda -- Michael Palin is your man. The creator of many of Monty Python's most beloved sketches, Palin carved out a fine post-Python career as the host of numerous BBC travel shows, as well as a full resume of character roles such as that of Ken Pile, a stuttering gangster, in A Fish Called Wanda. What did the public think of Michael? How about four Bafta awards and an appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Just don't ask too many questions -- you don't want him to think it's some sort of Spanish Inquisition! As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Michael Palin? Another Palin classic was this long running gag about some people you would never expect. https://youtu.be/psMMKgvpGfg?si=mkTPwDC9wMC5hUpu Michael was at the center of many classic Python bits, including this musical tribute to the men of the woods! https://youtu.be/B6mzobwTYyo?si=Riix_96cfDIrNZmS Michael had a huge post-Python career hosting a series of witty travel programs for the BBC. Not bad work if you can get it! https://youtu.be/jXddPTxv8DM?si=fgUNl6S6BStyeqFR Michael is a fine character actor and his role as stuttering gangster Ken Pile in A Fish Called Wanda is one of his best. https://youtu.be/4vsFC6Gt2EE?si=1ATBkJEGlBBIVa7R
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  Jack E. Leonard 12.05.2026 3min

  Grab a hi-ball and cue the rimshot, Jack E. Leonard is in the house. From Friars' Club roasts to tv variety shows to nightclub appearances Jack's routine never varied. He offered up a stream of comedy insults no doubt inspiring a young Don Rickles. Jack's insults were equal opportunity -- and he included himself in the mix frequently poking fun as his weight (who else makes a movie called "The Fat Spy"). One liners abounded in Jack's comedy storehouse but it was hard to convince younger audiences to give him a chance. Maybe that's why in 1968 he went on the Smothers Brothers comedy hour and guess what, he unloaded both barrels on Tom and Dick (who were pretty good a slinging barb as well). It didn't lead to a new and younger audience, but no matter, Jack remained an honored member of the Hollywood comedy scene where they knew his gibes were never meant to hurt. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Jack E. Leonard? The Friars Club is known for their roasts, especially those in the 1950s and 60s that were uncensored. Here Jack lays waste to Ed Sullivan. https://youtu.be/rxjP6evUJp4?si=p-jUm79ATyfBO8v5 In 1968 in search of a younger audience Jack went on the Smothers Brothers Comedy and had a little old school fun with Tom and Dick. https://youtu.be/nZT356f84HU?si=e_6bDlT_ETTWX2u3 Jack's quick wit and sharp style made him a natural for the talk show circuit. Here he is on Merv Griffin in 1966.https://youtu.be/xrK1nWwOIjg?si=QPO5JlNsrvxdsDD7
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  Arte Johnson 05.05.2026 3min

  Anyone who came of age in the late 1960s is bound to have a soft spot in their comedy heart for Arte Johnson, a versatile comic and master of dialects who boarded the fame express when he joined the cast of Rowan and Martin's Laugh In. Originally pursuing Broadway roles, Arte saw the future in the television industry and decamped for Los Angeles in the mid 1950s. He build a resume of guest spots before landing his Laugh In role in 1968. He played over 60 characters on Laugh In, including some (such as an observant German soldier, a doddering dirty old man, and a Russian named Rosmenko who could sing, dance, or joke about America. After Laugh In, Arte settled into a fine career of sitcoms, variety shows, game shows and audiobook readings. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Arte? Here's an assignment most would shrink from -- teach Jack Benny how to tell a joke. But for Arte, it was just another day working the boom microphone. https://youtu.be/HROeLKVAQIQ?si=QyKiplnRAd58TREV A master of dialects, Arte created a Russian character named Rosmenko -- not sure a word of actual Russian was spoken, but this version of Mack the Knife (also featuring Bobby Darin) is a gem. https://youtu.be/43I1zrL3FgE?si=YzikSt_QFTR6sf2v Arte had many standout characters on Laugh In and one of the best was Tyrone Horneigh who would attempt to seduce women (principally Ruth Buzzi's Gladys Ormphby) with typically bad (for Tyrone at least) results. https://youtu.be/E2IF8HejE1w?si=31DeDx2zZAuupL8w
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  Cloris Leachman 28.04.2026 3min

  In the 1970s and 80s you couldn't go to the movies without running into this week's legend Cloris Leachman. While the Oscar that catapulted her to stardom was for a drama (The Last Picture Show), here we remember her for bushels of laughs, expertly delivered on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Phyllis spinoff, and in some of Mel Brooks' classic films (notably Young Frankenstein). After that burst of activity, Cloris continued on with movie and television guest roles, picking up more Emmy awards along the way. A member of the Television Hall of Fame, Cloris also has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Stop by sometime and say "Blucher" - you just might hear a horse off in the distance. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Cloris? When Cloris joined the cast of the Mary Tyler Moore Show she brought just the right mix of snark, snobbery, and sweet to the role of Phyllis Lindstrom. https://youtu.be/Gw2GOvsd3Sg?si=l-WJcrCe2MvSeMB6 We mentioned the great bit about Frau Blucher that ran throughout Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. And here it is! https://youtu.be/nx8LjVmoSZk?si=DrlyiU_5_ZGuFvaA Later in her career Cloris had a recurring role on Malcolm in the Middle, picking up two Emmy's along the way. https://www.reddit.com/.../one_of_the_great_scenes.../...
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  Stephen Colbert 21.04.2026 3min

  This time out we honor Stephen Colbert whose amazing career has seen him conquer the worlds of improv comedy, avant-garde sitcoms, avant garde sketch comedy (including one of tv's greatest comedy bombs), The Daily Show (and his own spinoff), and a late night talk show. Not bad for a kid from South Carolina who says he was an indifferent student -- we disagree, at least when it comes to comedy. And, if you want to see Stephen in talk show mode, act fast -- CBS is ending its longtime late night show May 21. But with 11 Emmys, 2 Grammys, and a Peabody Award under his belt, we suspect that Stephen won't stay idle for long. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Colbert? Stephen had a key role in creating the cult fave sitcom Strangers with Candy, also playing a science teacher who has strayed from the path. https://youtu.be/6uPEeV5Ep2U?si=oQfffmM0_PoqHwUG After several years on the Daily Show adopting the persona of a conservative talk show host, Stephen scored a spinoff -- The Colbert Report -- that ran for almost a decade. https://youtu.be/MBPgXjkfBXM?si=6Xrip-JJY89c50KO Given his many comedy personas over the years no one quite knew when to expect when Stephen took the helm of the Late Show from David Letterman. We need not have worried -- he was made for the gig. https://youtu.be/_642piuR-Pw?si=j-prXZYTPS8M-yZ6