About
"A friend in need is a pest!"
In his hour-and-a-half interview for the American Comedy Archives at Emerson College, Irwin Corey (1914-2017) talks about his status as “the world’s foremost authority” and his comedy style. He discusses the then-current state of comedy on television, and the signature comedy of various performers. Corey speaks of using comedy to put across his political views, and how his comedic style developed over the years. He details some of his experiences with audiences, dealing with the business aspect of show business, and the importance of the comedian taking comedy seriously. Bill Dana and Jenni Matz conducted the interview on April 8, 2005 in New York, NY.
Highlights
Irwin Corey on developing his comedic style
Irwin Corey on doing his signature pantomime act
Irwin Corey on his brand of comedy
Irwin Corey on the business part of show business
Irwin Corey on the business part of show business
Irwin Corey on the business part of show business
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On his brand of comedy as "the world's foremost authority"; on appearing on Late Night with David Letterman; on doing his signature pantomime act
On the then-current state of comedy on television, and on the Social Security fund; on the signature comedy of various performers; on whether a person can learn to be funny
On using comedy as a vehicle for social commentary, and on appearing in the play "Sly Fox"; on seeing "The Merchant of Venice" starring Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino; on when he is happy, and on the justification for wars
On using comedy to put across his political views; on the then-current situation in Iraq; on developing his comedic style
On comedians attaining the level of genius after they die; on laughter as a coping mechanism, and on World War II movies; on the importance of the audience when he performs
On the business part of show business; on taking comedy seriously
On his attempts and desire to transition from comedy to drama, and on his involvement with the guilds; on mistakes he made in his life
Shows
Late Night with David Letterman
Irwin Corey on appearing on Late Night with David Letterman
Topics
Historic Events and Social Change
Irwin Corey on the then-current situation in Iraq
Television Industry
Irwin Corey on the then-current state of comedy on television, and on the Social Security fund
Irwin Corey on the business part of show business
Irwin Corey on his attempts and desire to transition from comedy to drama, and on his involvement with the guilds
War
Irwin Corey on the then-current situation in Iraq
War on Terror
Irwin Corey on the then-current situation in Iraq
Professions
Comedian
Irwin Corey on his brand of comedy
Irwin Corey on doing his signature pantomime act
Irwin Corey on the signature comedy of various performers
Irwin Corey on whether a person can learn to be funny
Irwin Corey on using comedy as a vehicle for social commentary, and on appearing in the play "Sly Fox"
Irwin Corey on using comedy to put across his political views
Irwin Corey on developing his comedic style
Irwin Corey on the importance of the audience when he performs
Irwin Corey on the business part of show business
Irwin Corey on taking comedy seriously
Irwin Corey on his attempts and desire to transition from comedy to drama, and on his involvement with the guilds
Performers
Irwin Corey on his brand of comedy
Irwin Corey on doing his signature pantomime act
Irwin Corey on the signature comedy of various performers
Irwin Corey on whether a person can learn to be funny
Irwin Corey on using comedy as a vehicle for social commentary, and on appearing in the play "Sly Fox"
Irwin Corey on using comedy to put across his political views
Irwin Corey on developing his comedic style
Irwin Corey on the importance of the audience when he performs
Irwin Corey on the business part of show business
Irwin Corey on taking comedy seriously
Irwin Corey on his attempts and desire to transition from comedy to drama, and on his involvement with the guilds
Genres
Late Night
Irwin Corey on appearing on Late Night with David Letterman
People
Dustin Hoffman
Irwin Corey on seeing "The Merchant of Venice" starring Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino
Al Pacino
Irwin Corey on seeing "The Merchant of Venice" starring Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino