Zach Galifianakis Tribute

You know you have a drinking problem when the bartender knows your name -- and you've never been to that bar before. -- Zach Galifianakis 10/1/69 - Present

     I first became aware of Zach Galifianakis' stand-up from his appearance in the stand-up documentary 'The Comedians Of Comedy'.  But I had already met Zach Galifianakis the actor long before that.  So, I was his fan long before I even knew his name or knew about his Stand-up.  Once I saw him do stand-up though, I learned his name, and became a huge fan of his instantly.
     Zach's stand-up is amazing for lack of a better word.  His stage presence, delivery and timing are all enviable to me as a comic.  I'd give anything to work a stage like Zach does.  He is just completely FEARLESS in his humor and presentation and almost just seems to be in a comedy trance at times.  He always makes being hilarious look so damn easy.  I was instantly jealous watching him and also a huge fan.
     I began to seek out his comedy to study and watch it all and I was never disappointed.  Most of you probably already know him from The Hangover movies, but Zach Galifianakis truly shines on a comedy stage.  I've included a short clip below from one of his comedy specials as an example of his comic genius.  Enjoy,

Patton Oswalt Tribute

If you hit a midget on the head with a stick he turns in to forty gold coins -- Patton Oswalt

     Patton Oswalt is one of my favorite comics.  I have always loved his sense of humor ever since I first discovered him.  I am pretty sure that Patton could read the phonebook and make it hilarious.  His voice, and comic delivery are just that good.  You may already know Patton as the voice of Remy in the animated film Ratatouille, or as Spence Olchin on the TV show King of Queens, but until you have treated yourself to his stand-up, you don't yet know Patton Oswalt.  To better illustrate this point, I've included a clip of his stand-up below. Enjoy,

George Carlin, A Tribute

"I don't have pet peeves - I have major psychotic hatreds" -- George Carlin 5/12/1937 - 6/22/2008

     George Carlin was, simply put, a master comedian, and prolific writer.  When it came to delivering raw, in your face, relevant, and hilarious stand-up routines, George Carlin never let you down.  And, like with all the greats, you know right away when you see a great comedian.  And, anyone could clearly see that George Carlin was a true master.  I knew immediately that Carlin was among the greats as soon as I first saw him perform when I was a child.  His performance was just so special, and recognizably honest, and sincere that you felt as though he was speaking directly to you. 
     George possessed the type of stage presence, courage, and perfect timing that made you feel as though you knew him and, not only that but, he thought just like you, only a lot more bitter and angry.  His comedy was always thought provoking, and relevant as well as hilariously crafted, and well delivered.  Carlin owned the stage and your attention.  He demanded it, and he was a clear, and undeniable master of the art of Stand-Up comedy.  A prolific, and masterful storyteller, hilarious and relate able performer, and downright brilliant humorist, George Carlin and his unique brand of comedy truly was a gift to society.

Richard Pryor - A Tribute

"I'm not addicted to cocaine. I just like the way it smells." -- Richard Pryor 12/1/1940 - 12/10/2005

     Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor III was born December 1st, 1940 in Peoria, Illinois.  Raised in poverty, Richard was one of four siblings who were raised in a brothel ran by his Grandmother.  Richard's childhood had many traumatic experiences, as you can imagine, being raised in a brothel where his mother worked, and his Grandma was Madam.  Richard was raped at six years old, and even molested as a boy by a Catholic Priest, not to mention constantly exposed to the environment of the brothel where he saw his mother work as a prostitute.  To escape from these traumatic experiences as a boy Richard would spend a lot of time watching movies at the local theater.  Seated in the "Black Seats", Pryor consumed the cinema, it was what inspired him to become an entertainer.  As a child he knew he wanted to be a star.  Richard Pryor became determined at a young age to become an entertainer.

     Pryor began entertaining at the age of 12.  Acting in plays at a local Peoria Public Recreational Facility where a supervisor, Juliette Whitaker, noticed his comic talent and cast him in a production of Rumpelstiltskin.  Impressed with Pryor's comic ability she began to showcase him and even remained a mentor throughout his career.

     Expelled from school at 14, he began work as a janitor at a strip club.  Richard had many different jobs as a young man.  He'd done everything from shoe shining, packing meat, driving a truck and more.  He even worked for awhile as a drummer.   Coming up in the black experience of 1950's America, Pryor was instilled with an insightful perspective on life that would later show in his unique mind and style of comedy.