Comedy...the hardest thing to do is comedy. Are YOU funny? Are you the life of the party, always remembering the jokes, or getting into simply hysterical situations...and live to tell others about it? I could never remember other people's jokes so I didn't consider myself funny--but a spectator.
I was WAY too shy in my youth, and yet somehow odd, peculiar, and OK, funny---on the goofy side, from what I have been told.
For someone who, as an actress for decades, but who has hidden in characters, played detectives, dippy blonds, scientists, corporate executives, nurses, reporters, women's libbers, and even hookers in a Rock Musical Comedy on stage, actually DOING comedy would scare me more. During the time I was spokeswoman for hundreds of TV commercials, I would get coupled up or put on a job that was simply funny, goofy, a little off-centered eccentric.
For a few examples: On the 'way back machine', with Variety Television flourishing in the 70s and 80s and hoping over from my STAGE at CBS-TV to see the Carol Burnett Show run through before taping, I would be on set with the Smother's Brothers on a Lone Star commercial, or Pat Paulsen Half-A-Comedy Hour, or with Jayne Meadows, and funny-man Art Metrano, then with with Three's Company, Richard Kline on a Secret deodorant job, with Rex Harrison on a spool FORD job recreating the Race at the grandstand from his film, or do comedy sketches on the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, or Julie Andrews Hour, or with Bill Cosby on Jell-O, and then even James Garner on Rockford Files---as a goofy blond, decked-out and heading to the theater role, but really was surprised when my co-star was a tall can of Pringles...and playing catch with a rigged can.
I list these for myself to remember and to remind ME of my funny bone, now that I am still here and have begun to laugh and hold my sides again this month. Why? Here's why. Well now that my true comedy pal from decades ago, Fred Smoot, has reentered my life, I cannot 'keep the lid on', so to speak, any longer. During the time I was acting and in Hollywood, I enjoyed the company of many comedians, both on the road as well as socially.
On the road people like: Don Rickles, Bob Hope, Dean Martin, George Burns, Alan King, Fred Smoot, Steve Martin, Buddy Hacket, and many others, for I was in Las Vegas as well as on the road as an opening act for several years during my teens and early 20s. Socially I knew and adored Dudley Moore, Anthony Newley and others....and always was holding my side with unbridled laughter in their presence, or peeking around the curtain as they were our opening act when I traveled with THE KIDS NEXT DOOR--all around the country. Of course David Black, our Musical Conductor kept us in riotous stitches for three whole years.
I didn't see the humor in myself, but constantly got cast in that way both in TV, film and on commercials. What gives here? There were dozens of others, but I just never saw the humor in it until it got 'on the air'. Hmm, who am I?
I never understood what directors were seeing, for I saw myself as a straight-laced South Dakota girl with a very strict upbringing. Oh I guess those are the one that are most often the ones to 'ride off the rail' when the leash of parental guidance is off.
I know I have had a sense of humor, but becoming very serious in later years as an adult, I forgot to be funny and have fun. Can you relate? Life takes over and it gets VERY serious.
Well no more. It is time for FUN! I think being a cancer-survivor from last year must have given me a good ol' kick in the Divine Behind!
So what am I being drawn to now? Going to Comedy Clubs. I actually went to a comedy class, but didn't have the nerve to get up there and really go for it. I escaped, staying invisible, even though I attended the class. My host and comedy pal Paul Ryan, just lets it flow, and I am always laughing with him.
As 'a woman of a certain age', I may just go do some 'stand up comedy'. I have lots of stories to tell, some secrets to blow out, and some memories that actually have a funny-bone attached. Why not? I guess I will find out if I am still goofy. I could call it something like the 'Babyboomer Comedy Hour'.
Seeing you on stage, in a club near you! SOON!
Laughing all the way, Cheers!
Jeannie
(C) Copyright 2009 Jeannie Fitzsimmons All Rights Reserved
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