Brad from Georgia wrote:Jack spoke to something in the human condition, and that's a sort of bedrock, really--it underlies the changing fads and fashions. To use a comparison, I really think Kelsey Grammer learned a lot from Jack, and Jack's "modern" career might have followed a similar track to his.
Jack Benny wrote:Let's see, Jack "made it" in Vaudville, in Radio, in Television. Now he is gone, but he continues to "Make it" in the internet, in ipods, in every new radio format. Yes, I'm certain that if Jack were here today he would have no problem "making it," and he would make anything he was involved with better than anyone could have thought possible! That is the definition of Jack Benny after all!
Gerry O. wrote:Kelsey acknowledged that Jack was a big influence on his comedy style and his career in general...and then BOTH men raved about how great Jack's TV shows were.
LLeff wrote:Gerry O. wrote:Kelsey acknowledged that Jack was a big influence on his comedy style and his career in general...and then BOTH men raved about how great Jack's TV shows were.
This is very strange to me, because I tried so hard to get Grammer involved in the 39 Forever convention, and was told very flatly that he had "no interest whatsoever." Harry Shearer, on the other hand, was a very willing volunteer to be on panels and otherwise contribute to the proceedings (although a last-minute schedule change for him prevented it). I still have a difficult time reconciling this.
Gerry O. wrote:Laura, I don't mean this as an insult to your "39 Forever" convention or to Kelsey Grammer, but perhaps Mr. Grammer only considers it worth his time if he can praise and honor Jack on nationwide TV shows where he is sure of being seen and heard by millions of people....Just a thought!
LLeff wrote:Gerry O. wrote:Laura, I don't mean this as an insult to your "39 Forever" convention or to Kelsey Grammer, but perhaps Mr. Grammer only considers it worth his time if he can praise and honor Jack on nationwide TV shows where he is sure of being seen and heard by millions of people....Just a thought!
It's possible and that thought had crossed my mind, but I would have thought that he'd at least have given a statement about his love for Jack rather than the nasty brush-off I got. If we hadn't had anyone of celebrity status involved, then it would be understandable. But with Harry Shearer, Budd Friedman (owner of the Improv), Jack Rollins (legendary producer), and other people of standing in the entertainment world involved in various ways...oh well. It's an old wound and not a lot makes sense in Hollywood.
LLeff wrote:Just so I don't sound totally sour grapes, I also tried hard to get Johnny Carson there. And while he chose not to attend, he was still gracious and expressed his continuing love for Jack.
With just about anyone who knew Jack, all you have to do is say Jack's name and you'll see their eyes light up and they visibly relax, launching into singing his praises. Even people I'm told are "very private" and "generally don't give interviews" have done so when they knew the subject was Jack Benny.
I call it "the Magic of Jack."
Maxwell wrote:Which leads to what is probably a rhetorical question: Is there any comedian you can think of who is beloved as much as Jack Benny by both people in the business and fans? I can't think of anyone off hand.
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