Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy with Randy and Steve

Jim Varney

Some ad campaigns live on in our hearts and minds -- think of "That's a spicy meatball" or "show us your pizza rolls". And the Ernest and Vern commercials created by today's Legend Jim Varney sure fit the bill. A talented mimic as a child, Jim started performing early in life, becoming a regular on shows including Johnny Cash and Friends and Fernwood 2 Night. In 1980, career lightning struck when Jim unveiled Ernest, a nosy and noisy neighbor who carried on conversations with Vern, an unseen foil. And, since every great character deserves a great catch phrase, Ernest would wrap up every spot with a perfectly delivered "KnoWhutIMean?" The spots were so popular they led to 9 Ernest movies, starting with Ernest Goes to Camp in 1987. The Ernest shtick began to fade out after a few years, but Jim diversified with tv roles and a turn as Jed Clampett in the movie version of The Beverly Hillbillies. To young fans, Jim is likely best known as the voice of Slinky Dog in the first two Toy Story movies. Not a bad way to be remembered, KnoWhutWeMean? As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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The Ernest P. Worrell character was Jim's bread and butter and this bit from the first Ernest movie shows why. This one's for everyone who had to receive a shot at camp. https://youtu.be/3QZI68azimM?si=Kf3sezm7D1-5TCyF

The Beverly Hillbillies movie received very mixed reviews, but Jim did a fine job channeling the zen wisdom of patriarch Jed Clampett. https://clip.cafe/the.../well-i-reckon-done-what-done/

In 1995 Jim scored the role of Slinky Dog in the first and second Toy Story movies. Always loyal, Slink was a trusted aide to Woody - and a frequent target of insults hurled by Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles). https://youtu.be/3Cq_o0hJII0?si=DJFLOXxJt1XWla89

 

Bob and Doug McKenzie

Happy (almost) New Year you hosers! This time out we honor two true Canadian icons -- Bob and Doug -- the McKenzie Brothers! OK, it's Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas from the classic SCTV late night show, but boy did their characters "take off" in the early 1980s. Originally devised as a bit to meet "Canadian content" requirements, The Great White North was nothing more than Bob and Doug sitting on a cheesy set, drinking Molson and smoking cigarettes, and riffing on all things Canadian. Moranis and Thomas originally viewed the bit as a protest of the Canadian content rules, but audiences went nuts for the duo and Bob and Doug in short order produced over 40 segments for SCTV as well as a feature movie (Strange Brew) and two comedy albums. Moranis and Thomas have reprised the roles on occasion, but not for a number of years. Maybe we could bribe them with a "jelly" for one more revival! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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At the height of Bob and Doug mania the boys appeared on David Letterman, first in character than as themselves in a fine interview. https://youtu.be/u3niShPaKFY?si=tfeDNcmpv6h69lBd

Strange Brew has become a cult classic over the years with lots of Canadian in-jokes, none more prominent than their love of donuts. Try this trick the next time you need some info. https://youtu.be/tKFgfdtKdys?si=H4vxlj1yGaTENtxJ

Bob and Doug returned for a Canadian tv special on the 24th anniversary of Strange Brew. Geddy Lee from Rush -- who sang with them on their 1981 hit single "Take Off" -- was there to pay respects. https://youtu.be/N5twcRZ5Bi8?si=FFPGI9ISE_Ds25B4&t=1809

 

Imogene Coca

Say hello to Imogene Coca, a mainstay of television's first golden age who delighted audiences over a career spanning four decades. Originally a Broadway actor and a headliner in Manhattan nightclubs, Imogene started her tv career with small roles before she was added to the cast of Your Show of Shows. Her work with co-star Sid Caesar is the stuff of legend, and it earned her both an Emmy in 1952 and a Peabody award in 1953. After that classic series wrapped, Imogene remained a popular guest star on variety shows and sitcoms, as well as an Emmy-winning reunion with the Your Show of Shows cast. She brought her career full circle in 1978 with a juicy (and Tony-nominated) role in the musical "On the Twentieth Century." As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.

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Some of the best comedy comes from the simplest of premises -- like the challenges of going out on Saturday night (the whole episode is great if you have time). https://youtu.be/MvZMP5d7_GA?si=8h7FkzwQnP_WqS3Y&t=330

 

Imogene's work with Sid Caesar was a big part of television's first golden age and this sketch about the circus shows why -- it's witty, fully developed, and shows off their comic chemistry.https://youtu.be/vNkO1uofb18?si=IarFnK_pW3yOONY9

 

Late in her career, Imogene found her way back to Broadway with a Tony-nominated performance in On the Twentieth Century, playing a religious zealot who just wants us to repent! https://youtu.be/B2My_BgcDfg?si=NA12vsONXQWoJenR

Conan O'Brien

Over the last 40 years few comedians have had the pedigree of today's Legend. Harvard Lampoon President? Check! Simpson's writer and show runner? Check! Late Night TV host tapped to replace Letterman's Late Nite show? Check! Tonight Show host (at least for a little while)? Check! Successful Oscar host? Check! Possessing a goofy but sharp sense of humor and a gift for comic self-deprecation, Conan has accumulated a shelf full of awards over his career including multiple Emmy and Writer's Guild Awards and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. And, oh yeah, when he had his syndicated talk show, Conan's band leader was none other than Max Weinberg, drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. For a boomer (and a fine guitarist) like Conan that might be the biggest accomplishment of all. As always find additional clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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Conan was an SNL writer during one of the show's best runs in the late 1990s writing many classic bits. Here's the full sketch that introduced "The Girl Watchers" to the world. https://youtu.be/FnDGawHdKUg?si=ZaOxoIY4ehHswX8x

It took audiences a while to warm to Conan's hosting style when he took over David Letterman's Late Night show back in the early 90s. No doubt this interview with Dolly Parton was a big part of the learning process. https://youtu.be/ui6pYEXO9BI?si=GQyPdbUdaw3dhNKS

Conan's job hosting the 2025 Oscars won rave reviews from critics and viewers. No wonder he was asked back for another go in 2026. https://youtu.be/_coFFIDVJ_Y?si=pL91u0D3NxNLFg08

 

 

Fred Travalena

You may not know his name but you surely know his voice(s), especially if you were a late night watcher of the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. Fred Travalena turned a fine singing voice and a gift for mimicry into a career that lasted well over 40 years. Fred was encouraged in show business by his father, also an entertainer, and he honed his skills and interest during a stint in the Army Special Services. Rich Little discovered Fred working the Catskills and recommended him as a regular opener for David Frost during his Riviera hotel gigs. Fred soon became a Vegas (and Atlantic City) staple and he soon became a popular guest on television talk and variety shows. In his later years, Fred was a favorite on cruise ships and at casino theaters, as well as a frequent voice actor for animated television shows. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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During his career prime, Fred was likely to pop up anywhere -- a game show, a talk show, a Celebrity roast, etc. Here is a nice fan-made collection of those moments. https://youtu.be/fVbPIFQeVCM?

A regular on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethons, Fred often showed off his musical impressions. Here's Fred's appearance on the 1981 edition. https://youtu.be/fVbPIFQeVCM?si=c3uHw7S-CMdvoWhU

PDQ Bach

We've decided to "class up" the joint today with some fine classical music. Well, not exactly -- our laughs this time out come from accomplished composer, conductor, and musician Peter Schickele -- better known to comedy fans as PDQ Bach. Peter was a musical prodigy who attended both Swarthmore College and Julliard and who started his career as a songwriter and film composer. Just for fun, Peter started a series of humorous concerts, taking on the persona of PDQ Bach -- the youngest and oddest son of the famed composer. PDQ shows and albums drew inspiration from Spike Jones, using oddball instruments and sound effects to punctuate well known classical numbers. Later in life, Peter started a well-regarded public radio program (The Schickele Mix), but he also kept releasing PDQ material -- winning four consecutive Grammy awards in the 1990s. As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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Who doesn't like the"bunny hop" song? Well, maybe PDQ after his effort to supply a little percussion to the song. https://youtu.be/KzPtPoTgvNM?si=OM41uX5ZiW3nE0ST

PDQ Bach was known for playing shall we say "unusual instruments" and he was a favorite of the Smothers Brothers. Put the two together and you have this clip from the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. https://youtu.be/cZu3iaEPMA4?

Peter Schickele noted that his PDQ incarnation was heavily influened by musical comedy madman Spike Jones and the pedigree shows in this clip -- a version of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony -- narrated as if it were a sporting event. https://youtu.be/WR4CdKSeD-E?si=DwYiFs0mkHE7qHok

Foster Brooks

Today we salute Foster Brooks whose signature character -- "The Lovable Lush" -- was a mainstay on 1970s television shows and Las Vegas showrooms. Foster started out as a traditional standup and worked his way up in LA (along with a number of day jobs). When game show host Dennis James introduced Foster to Perry Como, the crooner tapped him to be his regular opener. Dean Martin became a fan and Foster's frequent appearances on Dino's 1970s variety show usually ended up a marinated master of malaprops and misunderstandings. Foster also was a regular at the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. Public opinion regarding alcohol shifted dramatically in the early 1980s and Foster largely shelved his drunken character. He took on a number of television guest roles including Mr. Sternhagen, Mindy's boss on Mork and Mindy as well as bits in a number of direct to video movies. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.

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Dean Martin's reputation as a drinker was long established by the time he had a weekly television show, so when Foster was a guest the "lovable lush" character was sure to appear as in this sketch from the mid-1970s.https://youtu.be/FkW35T1jQB0?si=5G8YxlVLarbb9f5E

Foster was a frequent guest on television talk shows and he had some fun spots on Johnny Carson's Tonight show back in 1975. https://youtu.be/PrEJQNOmLEA?si=Nu234EbiKgnlfM3y

The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts were a mainstay of 1970s television and Foster was a frequent participant -- here roasting former Vice President Hubert Humphrey. https://dai.ly/x8g678c

Jackie Mason

This week out we salute Jackie Mason who took comedy from the Temple and brought it to Broadway -- with a few roadblocks thrown in his path. Jackie started out his career as a rabbi -- and when he noticed that the funnier he made his sermons the larger the crowd he would draw Jackie connected the dots and made the leap to becoming a full-time comedian. A feud based on a misunderstanding led to a ban from the Ed Sullivan Show and two decades in the comedy wilderness for Jackie, but in the mid-1980s he made a spectacular comeback with The World According to Me, a one-man Broadway show in which Jackie really let the Jewish comedy fly. More shows followed and Jackie scored the highest pop culture tribute of our age when he was featured on The Simpsons as Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky, the father of Krusty the Clown. Find additional clips below and thanks for sharing our shows

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From the start, Jackie was different from other comics, particularly in his willingness to spar a bit with a tough crowd. This clip from the Hollywood Palace back in 1964 shows his skill. https://youtu.be/hPlbXs18kDE?si=jlaYcU8Oi5f88n1N

Jackie's career hit it's peak when he returned from a long stint in comedy purgatory to create The World According to Me, a one-man Broadway Shows that in the words of The NY Times "Turn(ed) kvetching into comedy gold." https://youtu.be/5V4zYe23QLg?si=H3KT_GcO5FKisle-

Being featured on the Simpsons has become a career highlight for many entertainers and Jackie made the grade when he was featured as Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky, the father of Krusty the Clown. Whatever the name it was unmistakably Jackie. https://youtu.be/-jR2LnD3Jms?si=wgN9M1nV91JAuQIu

Chico Marx

On your Marx, get set, and go! This time out the Marx we are honoring is Leonard -- better known to us as Chico whose playful and crafty stage persona was a perfect blend with Groucho, Harpo, and Gummo. The eldest brother of the Marx family, Chico also took on managing the brothers' film career, winning them an unprecedented at the time deal to get a percentage of the gross. Unfortunately, Chico didn't have the same magic with his personal finances as gambling losses forced him to work far longer than his kin. It was our gain, as Chico had a fine late career guesting on tv variety shows and in commercials. And why the nickname "Chico"? Turns out it was a sly tribute to his penchant for womanizing bestowed on him by his brothers. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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Chico got his nickname (short for "chicken chaser") because of his penchant for womanizing. Here is Chico talking with Harpo -- who also had a thing for chasing women -- in the classic film Animal Crackers. https://youtu.be/Dbz02p90CV8?si=aIKFojpXW6XQiilU

Chico was a master of wisecracks and his back-and-forth banter with Groucho was always a highlight of a Marx Brothers film. Here's a nice compilation of some of Chico's best. https://youtu.be/F9L-iQP8O1s?si=h0j3gu08_5loUigT

Chico's gambling habit cost him a fortune and, as a result, he had to keep working after his brothers had retired. A fun show from this time was The College Bowl (not the game show) which featured Chico as a soda-shop proprietor in a small college town. https://youtu.be/iwjSaOwg57w?si=rebZjie33452pDMA

Craig Robinson

This time out we salute Craig Robinson, who might well have ended up as your high school music teacher had not the comedy bug bit him hard while in college at Illinois State University. Along with hitting the books, Craig also hit the boards at Second City and doing stand up, eventually moving to Los Angeles where he caught the eye of Jimmy Kimmel's show. As these things do, one thing led to another and Craig has carved out a fine career with guest shots in movies and on tv, a role in the hit sitcom The Office, and more. He also is a fine musician and maintains a couple of musical projects where the music is sweet soul and the comedy is sharp and a little risqué. With that combo we think Craig will be entertaining us for years to come. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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Craig's comedy songs usually have a nice romantic intro, then turn a different direction for the payoff as in this clip from the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in 2008. https://youtu.be/I7BMAWwsMBs?si=CvLfOcPrLhD6ztrg

Craig gained mass attention when he took on the role of warehouse foreman Darryl Philbin in The Office. Here are some of his best bits. https://youtu.be/XrHeFFYhd1A?si=jx5UMoY0pobFe2i4

Craig Robinson is a great musical comedian, sometimes with his own band "Nasty Delicious" and sometimes with fellow comic Jerry Minor as in this sensitive ballad. https://youtu.be/pS3WQ-tqntA?si=aEN_ICdKmur1fL2e