Comedian, Actor Alan King Dies at 76 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TJL · 05-09-2004, 06:33 PM

Comedian, Actor Alan King Dies at Age 76
By LUKAS I. ALPERT, AP

NEW YORK (May 9) - Alan King, whose tirades against everyday suburban life grew into a long comedy career in nightclubs and television that he later expanded to Broadway and character roles in movies, died Sunday at the age of 76.

King, who also was host of the New York Friars Club's celebrity roasts, which had recently returned as a staple on television's Comedy Central, died at a Manhattan hospital, said a son, Robert King.

King appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" 93 times beginning in the 1950s.

He played supporting roles in more than 20 films including "Bye Bye Braverman," "I, the Jury," "The Anderson Tapes," "Lovesick," "Bonfire of the Vanities," "Casino," and "Rush Hour 2." He also produced several films, including "Memories of Me," "Wolfen" and "Cattle Annie and Little Britches," and the 1997 television series "The College of Comedy With Alan King."

He said he was working strip joints and seedy nightclubs in the early 1950s when he had a revelation while watching a performance by another young comedian, Danny Thomas.

"Danny actually talked to his audience," he recalled in a 1991 interview. "And I realized I never talked to my audience. I talked at 'em, around 'em and over 'em, but not to 'em. I felt the response they had for him. I said to myself, 'This guy is doing something, and I better start doing it."'

King, who until then had been using worn out one-liners, found his new material at home, after his wife persuaded him to forsake his native Manhattan, believing the suburban atmosphere of the Forest Hills sections of Queens would provide a better environment for their children.

Alan King's hilarious rants on suburban life made him one of the most popular stand-up comedians.

Soon he was joking of seeing people moving from the city to the suburbs "in covered wagons, with mink stoles hanging out the back."

His rantings about suburbia, just as America was embracing it, struck a chord with the public and soon he was appearing regularly on the Sullivan show, Garry Moore's variety show and "The Tonight Show."

Bookings poured in, and he toured with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra, played New York's showcase Paramount theater and top nightclubs around the country.

He also worked as the opening act for such music stars as Lena Horne, Billy Eckstine, Patti Page and Judy Garland, who he joined in a command performance in London for Queen Elizabeth.

After that show he was introduced to the queen and, when she asked "How do you do, Mr. King?" he said he replied: "How do you do, Mrs. Queen?"

"She stared at me, and then Prince Philip laughed," he recalled. "Thank God Prince Philip laughed."

King appeared in a handful of films in the late 1950s, including "The Girl He Left Behind," "Miracle in the Rain" and "Hit the Deck," although he didn't care for his roles. "I was always the sergeant from Brooklyn named Kowalski," he once complained.

He also appeared on Broadway in "Guys and Dolls" and "The Impossible Years," and produced the Broadway plays "The Lion in Winter" and "Something Different."

He wrote the humor books "Anyone Who Owns His Own Home Deserves One" (1962) and "Help! I'm a Prisoner in a Chinese Bakery" (1964).

Born Irwin Alan Kniberg, he grew up on Manhattan's Lower East Side and in Brooklyn.

"Both of them were tough neighborhoods, but I was a pretty tough kid," he recalled in 1964. "I had an answer for everything. ... I fought back with humor."

He married Jeannette Sprung in 1947 and they had three children, Robert, Andrew and Elaine Ray. When King was at the height of his career, he faced one son's drug addiction and said he realized he had neglected his family.

"It's not easy being a father," he said, "but I've been allowed a comeback."

He spent more time at home and his son conquered his addiction.

"Now everyone kisses," he said. "We show our affections."

Janice · 05-09-2004, 06:34 PM

http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D82FAPK80.html

Comedian, Actor Alan King Dies at 76

NEW YORK (AP) - Alan King, whose tirades against everyday suburban life grew into a long comedy career in nightclubs and television that he later expanded to Broadway and character roles in movies, died Sunday at the age of 76.

King, who also was host of the New York Friars Club's celebrity roasts, which had recently returned as a staple on television's Comedy Central, died at a Manhattan hospital, said a son, Robert King. He died of lung cancer, his assistant Miriam Rothstein said.

King appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" 93 times beginning in the 1950s.

Comedian Jerry Stiller, who knew King for more than 50 years, said King was "in touch with what was happening with the world, which is what made him so funny."

"He always talked about the annoyances of life," Stiller said. "He was like a Jewish Will Rogers."

King played supporting roles in more than 20 films including "Bye Bye Braverman,""I, the Jury,""The Anderson Tapes,""Lovesick,""Bonfire of the Vanities,""Casino" and "Rush Hour 2." He also produced several films, including "Memories of Me,""Wolfen" and "Cattle Annie and Little Britches," and the 1997 television series "The College of Comedy With Alan King."

He said he was working strip joints and seedy nightclubs in the early 1950s when he had a revelation while watching a performance by another young comedian, Danny Thomas.

"Danny actually talked to his audience," he recalled in a 1991 interview. "And I realized I never talked to my audience. I talked at 'em, around 'em and over 'em, but not to 'em. I felt the response they had for him. I said to myself, 'This guy is doing something, and I better start doing it.'"

King, who until then had been using worn out one-liners, found his new material at home, after his wife persuaded him to forsake his native Manhattan, believing the suburban atmosphere of the Forest Hills sections of Queens would provide a better environment for their children.

Soon he was joking of seeing people moving from the city to the suburbs "in covered wagons, with mink stoles hanging out the back."

His rantings about suburbia, just as America was embracing it, struck a chord with the public and soon he was appearing regularly on the Sullivan show, Garry Moore's variety show and "The Tonight Show."

Bookings poured in, and he toured with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra, played New York's showcase Paramount theater and performed at top nightclubs around the country.

He also worked as the opening act for such music stars as Lena Horne, Billy Eckstine, Patti Page and Judy Garland, whom he joined in a command performance in London for Queen Elizabeth II.

After that show he was introduced to the queen and, when she asked, "How do you do, Mr. King?" he said he replied: "How do you do, Mrs. Queen?"

"She stared at me, and then Prince Philip laughed," he recalled. "Thank God Prince Philip laughed."

King appeared in a handful of films in the late 1950s, including "The Girl He Left Behind,""Miracle in the Rain" and "Hit the Deck," although he didn't care for his roles. "I was always the sergeant from Brooklyn named Kowalski," he once complained.

He also appeared on Broadway in "Guys and Dolls" and "The Impossible Years," and produced the Broadway plays "The Lion in Winter" and "Something Different."

He wrote the humor books "Anyone Who Owns His Own Home Deserves One" (1962) and "Help! I'm a Prisoner in a Chinese Bakery" (1964).

Born Irwin Alan Kniberg, he grew up on Manhattan's Lower East Side and in Brooklyn.

"Both of them were tough neighborhoods, but I was a pretty tough kid," he recalled in 1964. "I had an answer for everything. ... I fought back with humor."

He married Jeanette Sprung in 1947 and they had three children, Robert, Andrew and Elaine Ray. When King was at the height of his career, he faced one son's drug addiction and said he realized he had neglected his family.

"It's not easy being a father," he said, "but I've been allowed a comeback."

He spent more time at home and his son conquered his addiction.

"Now everyone kisses," he said. "We show our affections."

AKA · 05-09-2004, 06:34 PM

Oh my god, no!

Thanks for posting this, TJL.

Janice · 05-09-2004, 06:36 PM

I just this minute posted this on the movie board. Terrible shame. I was shocked.

AKA · 05-09-2004, 06:38 PM

Alan King was friggin' hilarious. And he never lost his genius wit. Just look at the more recent Friars' Club roasts that aired on Comedy Central.

robyrob · 05-09-2004, 06:40 PM

R.I.P.

AKA · 05-09-2004, 06:43 PM

Does anyone else remember the show he had on Comedy Central in the early '90s where he'd interview comedians (stand-up and otherwise)? I think it was called Inside The Comedy Mind.

TJL · 05-09-2004, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AKA
Does anyone else remember the show he had on Comedy Central in the early '90s where he'd interview comedians (stand-up and otherwise)? I think it was called Inside The Comedy Mind.

I was going to mention that show. He did some great interviews. I wish Comedy Central had kept that show going.

Penny Lane · 05-09-2004, 07:05 PM

Aw, that's too bad!

Cactus Jack · 05-09-2004, 07:17 PM

RIP Alan

HootervilleFan · 05-09-2004, 07:34 PM

He had a great life...and he lived a long one. He gave many people many laughs.

Jrnygrl · 05-09-2004, 10:42 PM

05-09-2004, 06:33 PM	#1
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	Comedian, Actor Alan King Dies at 76 Comedian, Actor Alan King Dies at Age 76 By LUKAS I. ALPERT, AP NEW YORK (May 9) - Alan King, whose tirades against everyday suburban life grew into a long comedy career in nightclubs and television that he later expanded to Broadway and character roles in movies, died Sunday at the age of 76. King, who also was host of the New York Friars Club's celebrity roasts, which had recently returned as a staple on television's Comedy Central, died at a Manhattan hospital, said a son, Robert King. King appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" 93 times beginning in the 1950s. He played supporting roles in more than 20 films including "Bye Bye Braverman," "I, the Jury," "The Anderson Tapes," "Lovesick," "Bonfire of the Vanities," "Casino," and "Rush Hour 2." He also produced several films, including "Memories of Me," "Wolfen" and "Cattle Annie and Little Britches," and the 1997 television series "The College of Comedy With Alan King." He said he was working strip joints and seedy nightclubs in the early 1950s when he had a revelation while watching a performance by another young comedian, Danny Thomas. "Danny actually talked to his audience," he recalled in a 1991 interview. "And I realized I never talked to my audience. I talked at 'em, around 'em and over 'em, but not to 'em. I felt the response they had for him. I said to myself, 'This guy is doing something, and I better start doing it."' King, who until then had been using worn out one-liners, found his new material at home, after his wife persuaded him to forsake his native Manhattan, believing the suburban atmosphere of the Forest Hills sections of Queens would provide a better environment for their children. Alan King's hilarious rants on suburban life made him one of the most popular stand-up comedians. Soon he was joking of seeing people moving from the city to the suburbs "in covered wagons, with mink stoles hanging out the back." His rantings about suburbia, just as America was embracing it, struck a chord with the public and soon he was appearing regularly on the Sullivan show, Garry Moore's variety show and "The Tonight Show." Bookings poured in, and he toured with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra, played New York's showcase Paramount theater and top nightclubs around the country. He also worked as the opening act for such music stars as Lena Horne, Billy Eckstine, Patti Page and Judy Garland, who he joined in a command performance in London for Queen Elizabeth. After that show he was introduced to the queen and, when she asked "How do you do, Mr. King?" he said he replied: "How do you do, Mrs. Queen?" "She stared at me, and then Prince Philip laughed," he recalled. "Thank God Prince Philip laughed." King appeared in a handful of films in the late 1950s, including "The Girl He Left Behind," "Miracle in the Rain" and "Hit the Deck," although he didn't care for his roles. "I was always the sergeant from Brooklyn named Kowalski," he once complained. He also appeared on Broadway in "Guys and Dolls" and "The Impossible Years," and produced the Broadway plays "The Lion in Winter" and "Something Different." He wrote the humor books "Anyone Who Owns His Own Home Deserves One" (1962) and "Help! I'm a Prisoner in a Chinese Bakery" (1964). Born Irwin Alan Kniberg, he grew up on Manhattan's Lower East Side and in Brooklyn. "Both of them were tough neighborhoods, but I was a pretty tough kid," he recalled in 1964. "I had an answer for everything. ... I fought back with humor." He married Jeannette Sprung in 1947 and they had three children, Robert, Andrew and Elaine Ray. When King was at the height of his career, he faced one son's drug addiction and said he realized he had neglected his family. "It's not easy being a father," he said, "but I've been allowed a comeback." He spent more time at home and his son conquered his addiction. "Now everyone kisses," he said. "We show our affections."
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05-09-2004, 06:34 PM	#2
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Comedian, Actor Alan King Dies at 76 http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D82FAPK80.html Comedian, Actor Alan King Dies at 76 NEW YORK (AP) - Alan King, whose tirades against everyday suburban life grew into a long comedy career in nightclubs and television that he later expanded to Broadway and character roles in movies, died Sunday at the age of 76. King, who also was host of the New York Friars Club's celebrity roasts, which had recently returned as a staple on television's Comedy Central, died at a Manhattan hospital, said a son, Robert King. He died of lung cancer, his assistant Miriam Rothstein said. King appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" 93 times beginning in the 1950s. Comedian Jerry Stiller, who knew King for more than 50 years, said King was "in touch with what was happening with the world, which is what made him so funny." "He always talked about the annoyances of life," Stiller said. "He was like a Jewish Will Rogers." King played supporting roles in more than 20 films including "Bye Bye Braverman,""I, the Jury,""The Anderson Tapes,""Lovesick,""Bonfire of the Vanities,""Casino" and "Rush Hour 2." He also produced several films, including "Memories of Me,""Wolfen" and "Cattle Annie and Little Britches," and the 1997 television series "The College of Comedy With Alan King." He said he was working strip joints and seedy nightclubs in the early 1950s when he had a revelation while watching a performance by another young comedian, Danny Thomas. "Danny actually talked to his audience," he recalled in a 1991 interview. "And I realized I never talked to my audience. I talked at 'em, around 'em and over 'em, but not to 'em. I felt the response they had for him. I said to myself, 'This guy is doing something, and I better start doing it.'" King, who until then had been using worn out one-liners, found his new material at home, after his wife persuaded him to forsake his native Manhattan, believing the suburban atmosphere of the Forest Hills sections of Queens would provide a better environment for their children. Soon he was joking of seeing people moving from the city to the suburbs "in covered wagons, with mink stoles hanging out the back." His rantings about suburbia, just as America was embracing it, struck a chord with the public and soon he was appearing regularly on the Sullivan show, Garry Moore's variety show and "The Tonight Show." Bookings poured in, and he toured with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra, played New York's showcase Paramount theater and performed at top nightclubs around the country. He also worked as the opening act for such music stars as Lena Horne, Billy Eckstine, Patti Page and Judy Garland, whom he joined in a command performance in London for Queen Elizabeth II. After that show he was introduced to the queen and, when she asked, "How do you do, Mr. King?" he said he replied: "How do you do, Mrs. Queen?" "She stared at me, and then Prince Philip laughed," he recalled. "Thank God Prince Philip laughed." King appeared in a handful of films in the late 1950s, including "The Girl He Left Behind,""Miracle in the Rain" and "Hit the Deck," although he didn't care for his roles. "I was always the sergeant from Brooklyn named Kowalski," he once complained. He also appeared on Broadway in "Guys and Dolls" and "The Impossible Years," and produced the Broadway plays "The Lion in Winter" and "Something Different." He wrote the humor books "Anyone Who Owns His Own Home Deserves One" (1962) and "Help! I'm a Prisoner in a Chinese Bakery" (1964). Born Irwin Alan Kniberg, he grew up on Manhattan's Lower East Side and in Brooklyn. "Both of them were tough neighborhoods, but I was a pretty tough kid," he recalled in 1964. "I had an answer for everything. ... I fought back with humor." He married Jeanette Sprung in 1947 and they had three children, Robert, Andrew and Elaine Ray. When King was at the height of his career, he faced one son's drug addiction and said he realized he had neglected his family. "It's not easy being a father," he said, "but I've been allowed a comeback." He spent more time at home and his son conquered his addiction. "Now everyone kisses," he said. "We show our affections."

05-09-2004, 06:34 PM	#3
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	Oh my god, no! Thanks for posting this, TJL.
	Last edited by AKA; 05-09-2004 at 06:52 PM.

05-09-2004, 06:36 PM	#4
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Rest In Peace Alan King I just this minute posted this on the movie board. Terrible shame. I was shocked.

05-09-2004, 06:40 PM	#6
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,206	R.I.P.
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05-09-2004, 06:38 PM	#5
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	Alan King was friggin' hilarious. And he never lost his genius wit. Just look at the more recent Friars' Club roasts that aired on Comedy Central.

05-09-2004, 06:43 PM	#7
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	Does anyone else remember the show he had on Comedy Central in the early '90s where he'd interview comedians (stand-up and otherwise)? I think it was called Inside The Comedy Mind.

05-09-2004, 07:05 PM	#9
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,271	Aw, that's too bad!
	__________________ Vulgarity is no substitute for wit- Lady Violet Crawley

05-09-2004, 07:17 PM	#10
Cactus Jack RonFingSwanson Forum Idol Join Date: Dec 09, 2001 Location: Santa Rosa Beach,FL Posts: 103,099	RIP Alan
	__________________ Id Love to help you Tracy, but I cant have sex with a black guy, Id lose my endorsement deal with NASCAR-Jenna Maroney,30 Rock April 17,2009 9:02 PM : 100,000th post!

05-09-2004, 07:34 PM	#11
HootervilleFan Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 01, 2004 Posts: 186	He had a great life...and he lived a long one. He gave many people many laughs.

05-09-2004, 10:42 PM	#12
Jrnygrl Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 03, 2003 Location: wheel in the sky Posts: 4,540