Irwin Corey with Emerson College

Comedian

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About

About this interview

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.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

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Irwin Corey

Highlights

Irwin Corey on developing his comedic style

08:07

Irwin Corey on doing his signature pantomime act

06:21

Irwin Corey on his brand of comedy

05:37

Irwin Corey on the business part of show business

02:11

Full Interview

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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

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Irwin Corey on appearing on Late Night with David Letterman

05:01

Topics

Historic Events and Social Change

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Irwin Corey on the then-current situation in Iraq

01:13

Television Industry

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Irwin Corey on the then-current state of comedy on television, and on the Social Security fund

04:48

Irwin Corey on the business part of show business

02:15

Irwin Corey on his attempts and desire to transition from comedy to drama, and on his involvement with the guilds

06:38

War

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Irwin Corey on the then-current situation in Iraq

01:13

War on Terror

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Irwin Corey on the then-current situation in Iraq

01:13

Professions

Comedian

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Irwin Corey on his brand of comedy