Prof. Irwin Corey 05-27-09

lRWlN COREY is a product of the night clubs, bistros and radio, where he has been practicing his special brand of surrealistic comedy under the soubriquet "The World's Foremost Authority." He is proud of the fact that he and his five brothers and sisters are alumni of the Brooklyn Hebrew Orphan Asylum, and that he is the former 112-pound boxing champion of the Civilian Conservation Corps. A minor role in "Pots and Pans," a borscht circuit production, whetted his appetite for the stage. Irwin's night club career began with an appearance at the Village Vanguard and the past master of the non-sequitor has broken records for long runs at the Ruban Bleu, The Cotillion Room, the Copacabana, and Chicago's Palmer House. On the radio, Mr. Corey has starred on the Edgar Bergen and the Ballantine Radio Shows. His first appearance in a musical comedy was in the U.S.O. presentation of "Oklahoma" in Europe, in which he took over Joseph Buloff's role as the peddler Ali Hakim, and he has subsequently been seen in "Heaven on Earth" and "Happy as Larry" on Broadway, and as the zany genie, Abou Ben Atom, in "Fla-hooley," by Yip Harburg ("Finnian's Rainbow" and "Over The Rainbow,") and Mrs. McThing. Off-Broadway he played the title role in The Good Soldier Schweik. In the 70's he played Marlo Thomas's father in the Herb Gardner play THIEVES and followed it by reprising his role in the Paramount film of the play.

In the words of internationally known theatre critic Kenneth Tynan, Corey is "a cultural clown, a parody of literacy, a travesty of all that our civilization holds dear and one of the funniest grotesques in America. He is Chaplin's clown with a college education."

Corey gained prominence in television on the talk shows of Steve Allan, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson and Ed Sullivan. On Jackie Gleason's show as a regular with Jayne Mansfield and Frank Fontaine. He did the Martha Rey Show, Sgt. Bilko, Andy Griffith, Andy Williams, "Doc" Bernard Hughs tv series, The Smother's Brothers, and Others in scripted shows. And all the rest of the Talk Shows from Dick Cavette, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, Pat Boon (Co-host for 1 week) Woody Woodberry, Joe Franklyn, to David Letterman, and I forget the rest... In radio he was Charlie McCarthy's tutor, and some people believe he was hiding in Fibber MaGee's closet.

After a 10 year hiatus from the Broadway stage, the Professor was "Sylvester Sly" in TAMING OF THE SHREW and the Gravedigger in HAMLET for Zoe Caldwell (director) at the Stratford Shakespere Festival. COREY'S film carrer started again in the past few years with JACK, I'M
NOT RAPPAPORT, and most recently, THE CURSE OF THE JADE SCORPION.

The rest you'll have to figure out for yourself.

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[RandolfeWicker]

I've finally found time to watch this interview in its entirety & it is absolutely amazing that this man is still so sharp & alive at his age. His poignant anti-establishment views are back in fashion. His comments about Obama "not" keeping his promise to get out of Iraq by 2011 have proved wrong--good! We'll settle for Obama in 2012 & nominate Corey in 2016. Who could resist voting for this guy once he really reaches maturity at 102! Great great interview! Very very funny too!

[RandolfeWicker]

I loved the write-up the NYT did on him about two weeks ago. Charming person. A real survivor. Someone who spoke "truth" (as he saw it) to "power". That is always commendable.

[evilstbob]

this clowns a communist

[letsif]

Remarkable vitality for 96 years of age. Long may the Professor reign!

[abuiltmale]

Irwin also goes crazy when you mention the Vietnam war. I think his son might have been killed in it. I knew him in the 70s and he was crazier off stage then on stage. Most comedians are quiet off stage, not Irwin!!! He loved those young girls too.

[xxdonaldqxx]

Irwin Corey appears to have a hate on for white Europeans.Corey said the Europeans are the ones who are illegal aliens the United States.Well he loves his Jewish brothers and sisters and fails to say they are illegal aliens in Palestine as well as Europe. Then Corey slips in the crack about how the church has no right to police protection because they don't pay taxes.Mr. Corey never talks about how U.S. tax dollars are funding the religious state of Israel.

[electranieda]

Irwin is very entertaining. I think that the interviewer is terrible and treats Irwin as a child with some of his comments. Anyway, it is my personal opinion. Good video overall though. Thanks.

[rentatrip1]

commander Bob you are right - the clown you see here earned his life by comedy & insanity - not the best person to advocate socialism- I would steer clear of any advice Irwin Corey would spew forth - most all communists are of this mentality - look at Obama same - same -

[sceptre99]

Yeah, it's like Bush waging war in Iraq and cutting taxes at the same time! Who in Hell did that ignorant bastard think would pay for it!!?? These F'n jerks who supported that war are always lacking in common sense!!!

[TheCommanderbob]

Yeah, He has been and he is still a funny guy with his type of comedy, but he is still a old stupid left-wing nut----"Free" health care and "free" subways & buses ???---Who in Hell do these politically ignorant bastards think will pay for it !!??-----These F'n jerks are always lacking in common sense !!!-----HEY COREY : Kindly engage whats left of your brain before you open your mouth !!!