George Gobel was born in 1919 and passed in 1991. He had his own TV program in the late 60s, but I remember him best from the Tonight Show. He would tell stories about his 'wife' Spooky Old Alice, in his homespun, low-key way. His nickname was 'Lonesome George.'
Some quotes from 'Lonesome George':
“If you build a better mousetrap, you will catch better mice.”
“My uncle was the town drunk - and we lived in Chicago.”
“College is a place to keep warm between high school and an early marriage.”
One of the best, funniest 'bits' I ever saw on The Tonight Show involved 'Lonesome George.' After Johnny spent time talking with Bob Hope and Dean Martin, George came on as the last guest. He sat down, all 'regular' guy and homey, looked around and said to Carson, "Did you ever get the feeling that the world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?" He completely stopped the show with that line. A classic, if there ever was one. Sad that we don't have more like him these days.
Yes, I agree!
ReplyDeleteThe difference between the "old" comedians and the "funny" people today is, the old-timers made you think, while the ones today throw it in your face. I think Jerry Seinfeld was the last one to be genuinely funny. I don't think it's just because I'm older that I don't find today's obscenity-laced, scatological "comedy" funny. And don't get me started on "comedy" movies. Ugh.
Yes, yes, yes--the 'old-timers' made you THINK! Really, didn't you have to do a SLIGHT double-take to 'get' the 'brown shoes' line? At the very least, you have to visualize what he was trying to get at.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, most of what is called humor these days is aimed at a younger demographic than we are. A lot of the male comedians today want the 'frat-boy' aged audience and what THEY find humorous is VASTLY different than what I like. It's just a case of playing to the lowest common denominator--and that is sad.
Ive never heard of him! But Lonesome George sure does sound funny!
ReplyDeleteOne of the cleaner comedians of today is Jim Gaffigan - he's NOT as raunchy as other comedians and , in my opinion, one of the funniest people!
Yes, Jim Gaffigan IS funny. NOT enough like him these days.
ReplyDeleteGobel's last big gig was on The Hollywood Squares game show.
I remember the Hollywood Squares show, especially Paul Lynde and Rose Marie.
ReplyDeleteKnow what I miss the most? The Carol Burnett Show. I still remember the one where she played Scarlett O'Hara and had that dress with the curtain rod still in it. Hilarious!
And watching Tim and Harvey trying to make the other one laugh! Those two were priceless on that show!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, that 'Gone With the Wind' sketch was a classic.