As someone who dabbles in show biz at an admittedly different level, I have had a lifelong passion for comedy. And I mean comedy dating back to the silents, to the great comedy teams, vaudeville comedy, burlesque, early TV comedy and stand up. But there is one comedian today who I increasingly feel is not fully appreciated for the genius he is and his ability to keep getting laughs the old fashioned way (by not going X): John Pinette. His comedy appeals to all ages and his timing is about as good as anyone’s since timing-master Jack Benny.
He has an upcoming comedy special on Comedy Central.
Although our political class is providing us with a lot of comedy — and tragedy — these days. Take a few minutes to watch a genuis at work.
The hefty Pinnette’s most famous bit is about a Chinese buffet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdwuiyO7hOU
Here’s another bit done some years earlier when he was a bit heavier:
Another famous bit: the water park.
And the first part of a performance that is in 6 parts on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Daj_mijJMCI&feature=related
Joe Gandelman is a former fulltime journalist who freelanced in India, Spain, Bangladesh and Cypress writing for publications such as the Christian Science Monitor and Newsweek. He also did radio reports from Madrid for NPR’s All Things Considered. He has worked on two U.S. newspapers and quit the news biz in 1990 to go into entertainment. He also has written for The Week and several online publications, did a column for Cagle Cartoons Syndicate and has appeared on CNN.