Remembering Pat McCormick, 1927-2005
Dateline: 08/04/05
Updated: 08/05/05
Growing up, especially during the high school and college years, I adored Johnny Carson. He was witty and masterful. His "Tonight Show" monologues became daily must-see events. His material was fresh and hilarious, and often way out there somewhere. Those jokes were bizarre havens for an inquisitive comedy mind in training like mine.
"Weird," as Carson would often tag his stuff.
Over these past three decades, I've come to realize much of my deep appreciation for Johnny is probably misplaced. The genius behind the man -- or, at least, the gags that literally made me howl -- more than likely came from warped Pat McCormick, who wrote on the Carson program for 12 years.
I recall McCormick, who died July 29, lovingly from his stint with the late-night series and the occasional TV chat appearances he'd make or playing the imp on game shows. He was an original, mind-boggling talent. He'd also support Johnny in sketches as one of The Mighty Carson Art Players and he extended humorous contributions to Phyllis Diller, Jack Paar, Red Skelton, Don Rickles, Danny Kaye, "Get Smart," and "Candid Camera," too.
Later, Pat surfaced in movies ("Smokey and the Bandit," "The Shaggy D.A."), but those universes weren't his best arenas. His strengths were in concocting gags and legendary performances at the wicked Friars Club Roasts.
Pat McCormick was the seemingly mythical show business luminary we've all heard about: the comedian's comedian.
The Associated Press reports, "Longtime friend and comedian Shelley Berman says 'very few will ever be able to craft a joke as beautifully as Pat.'"
Probably true, nevertheless throngs of writers have attempted to build Pat McCormick jokes. I do believe he kick-started American humor into a new direction. His essence and looniness is commonplace today, traceable to such high practitioners as the David Letterman and Jay Leno broadcasts.
In my feeble attempts at creating gags, I've felt McCormick's presence in the room. He's been a strong influence in my use and fondness of exaggeration, the surreal, and the silly. He's also given me the courage and insight to push jokes a notch or two beyond their safety zones, adding bite or another layer, and, maybe, a touch of exploration. Boy, when those work, that's as good as it gets, sublime satisfaction for me, thanks to Pat.
Hollywood writer Mark Evanier has published several touching and funny tribute articles on his "News From Me" blog. In one, Evanier states McCormick always had a joke for every occasion, even for breaking news items.
Jack Riley, the actor remembered as caustic Elliot Carlin on "The Bob Newhart Show," speaks of his friend in "The Los Angeles Times."
Updated: 08/05/05
Growing up, especially during the high school and college years, I adored Johnny Carson. He was witty and masterful. His "Tonight Show" monologues became daily must-see events. His material was fresh and hilarious, and often way out there somewhere. Those jokes were bizarre havens for an inquisitive comedy mind in training like mine.
"Weird," as Carson would often tag his stuff.
Over these past three decades, I've come to realize much of my deep appreciation for Johnny is probably misplaced. The genius behind the man -- or, at least, the gags that literally made me howl -- more than likely came from warped Pat McCormick, who wrote on the Carson program for 12 years.
I recall McCormick, who died July 29, lovingly from his stint with the late-night series and the occasional TV chat appearances he'd make or playing the imp on game shows. He was an original, mind-boggling talent. He'd also support Johnny in sketches as one of The Mighty Carson Art Players and he extended humorous contributions to Phyllis Diller, Jack Paar, Red Skelton, Don Rickles, Danny Kaye, "Get Smart," and "Candid Camera," too.
Later, Pat surfaced in movies ("Smokey and the Bandit," "The Shaggy D.A."), but those universes weren't his best arenas. His strengths were in concocting gags and legendary performances at the wicked Friars Club Roasts.
Pat McCormick was the seemingly mythical show business luminary we've all heard about: the comedian's comedian.
The Associated Press reports, "Longtime friend and comedian Shelley Berman says 'very few will ever be able to craft a joke as beautifully as Pat.'"
Probably true, nevertheless throngs of writers have attempted to build Pat McCormick jokes. I do believe he kick-started American humor into a new direction. His essence and looniness is commonplace today, traceable to such high practitioners as the David Letterman and Jay Leno broadcasts.
In my feeble attempts at creating gags, I've felt McCormick's presence in the room. He's been a strong influence in my use and fondness of exaggeration, the surreal, and the silly. He's also given me the courage and insight to push jokes a notch or two beyond their safety zones, adding bite or another layer, and, maybe, a touch of exploration. Boy, when those work, that's as good as it gets, sublime satisfaction for me, thanks to Pat.
Hollywood writer Mark Evanier has published several touching and funny tribute articles on his "News From Me" blog. In one, Evanier states McCormick always had a joke for every occasion, even for breaking news items.
Jack Riley, the actor remembered as caustic Elliot Carlin on "The Bob Newhart Show," speaks of his friend in "The Los Angeles Times."
Updated: 08/05/05
Growing up, especially during the high school and college years, I adored Johnny Carson. He was witty and masterful. His "Tonight Show" monologues became daily must-see events. His material was fresh and hilarious, and often way out there somewhere. Those jokes were bizarre havens for an inquisitive comedy mind in training like mine.
"Weird," as Carson would often tag his stuff.
Over these past three decades, I've come to realize much of my deep appreciation for Johnny is probably misplaced. The genius behind the man -- or, at least, the gags that literally made me howl -- more than likely came from warped Pat McCormick, who wrote on the Carson program for 12 years.
I recall McCormick, who died July 29, lovingly from his stint with the late-night series and the occasional TV chat appearances he'd make or playing the imp on game shows. He was an original, mind-boggling talent. He'd also support Johnny in sketches as one of The Mighty Carson Art Players and he extended humorous contributions to Phyllis Diller, Jack Paar, Red Skelton, Don Rickles, Danny Kaye, "Get Smart," and "Candid Camera," too.
Later, Pat surfaced in movies ("Smokey and the Bandit," "The Shaggy D.A."), but those universes weren't his best arenas. His strengths were in concocting gags and legendary performances at the wicked Friars Club Roasts.
Pat McCormick was the seemingly mythical show business luminary we've all heard about: the comedian's comedian.
The Associated Press reports, "Longtime friend and comedian Shelley Berman says 'very few will ever be able to craft a joke as beautifully as Pat.'"
Probably true, nevertheless throngs of writers have attempted to build Pat McCormick jokes. I do believe he kick-started American humor into a new direction. His essence and looniness is commonplace today, traceable to such high practitioners as the David Letterman and Jay Leno broadcasts.
In my feeble attempts at creating gags, I've felt McCormick's presence in the room. He's been a strong influence in my use and fondness of exaggeration, the surreal, and the silly. He's also given me the courage and insight to push jokes a notch or two beyond their safety zones, adding bite or another layer, and, maybe, a touch of exploration. Boy, when those work, that's as good as it gets, sublime satisfaction for me, thanks to Pat.
Hollywood writer Mark Evanier has published several touching and funny tribute articles on his "News From Me" blog. In one, Evanier states McCormick always had a joke for every occasion, even for breaking news items.
- You had to admire the speed. One day in 1992, I was driving over to a meeting with an agent. On the phone, I heard the sad news that singer-dancer Ben Vereen was in serious condition after having been struck by a car on a beachfront road just north of Los Angeles.
When I walked into the agent's office, Pat was in the waiting room. He walked up to me and said, "Mark, do you know how to get to Malibu?"
It sounded like a straight line so I said, "No, how?"
Pat said, "You go north on Pacific Coast Highway 'til you hit Ben Vereen..."
Jack Riley, the actor remembered as caustic Elliot Carlin on "The Bob Newhart Show," speaks of his friend in "The Los Angeles Times."
- "Pat's life was enhanced by a never-failing comedic spirit, contagious to all around him."
"I was walking with Pat one night outside of the Braille Institute on Ventura Boulevard. Pat looked to the second floor and noticed five or six totally darkened windows, 'Ah," he said, 'I see they're working late.'
"His mind went to places that most people's don't?. truly original places where poets are found."
- (Paraphrasing)
Carson: So, what do you foresee in the new year?
New Year's Baby: I have a new way to clean out your system.
Carson: Really? How's that work?
New Year's Baby: Sit on a piece of cheese and swallow a live mouse.
Updated: 08/05/05
Growing up, especially during the high school and college years, I adored Johnny Carson. He was witty and masterful. His "Tonight Show" monologues became daily must-see events. His material was fresh and hilarious, and often way out there somewhere. Those jokes were bizarre havens for an inquisitive comedy mind in training like mine.
"Weird," as Carson would often tag his stuff.
Over these past three decades, I've come to realize much of my deep appreciation for Johnny is probably misplaced. The genius behind the man -- or, at least, the gags that literally made me howl -- more than likely came from warped Pat McCormick, who wrote on the Carson program for 12 years.
I recall McCormick, who died July 29, lovingly from his stint with the late-night series and the occasional TV chat appearances he'd make or playing the imp on game shows. He was an original, mind-boggling talent. He'd also support Johnny in sketches as one of The Mighty Carson Art Players and he extended humorous contributions to Phyllis Diller, Jack Paar, Red Skelton, Don Rickles, Danny Kaye, "Get Smart," and "Candid Camera," too.
Later, Pat surfaced in movies ("Smokey and the Bandit," "The Shaggy D.A."), but those universes weren't his best arenas. His strengths were in concocting gags and legendary performances at the wicked Friars Club Roasts.
Pat McCormick was the seemingly mythical show business luminary we've all heard about: the comedian's comedian.
The Associated Press reports, "Longtime friend and comedian Shelley Berman says 'very few will ever be able to craft a joke as beautifully as Pat.'"
Probably true, nevertheless throngs of writers have attempted to build Pat McCormick jokes. I do believe he kick-started American humor into a new direction. His essence and looniness is commonplace today, traceable to such high practitioners as the David Letterman and Jay Leno broadcasts.
In my feeble attempts at creating gags, I've felt McCormick's presence in the room. He's been a strong influence in my use and fondness of exaggeration, the surreal, and the silly. He's also given me the courage and insight to push jokes a notch or two beyond their safety zones, adding bite or another layer, and, maybe, a touch of exploration. Boy, when those work, that's as good as it gets, sublime satisfaction for me, thanks to Pat.
Hollywood writer Mark Evanier has published several touching and funny tribute articles on his "News From Me" blog. In one, Evanier states McCormick always had a joke for every occasion, even for breaking news items.
- You had to admire the speed. One day in 1992, I was driving over to a meeting with an agent. On the phone, I heard the sad news that singer-dancer Ben Vereen was in serious condition after having been struck by a car on a beachfront road just north of Los Angeles.
When I walked into the agent's office, Pat was in the waiting room. He walked up to me and said, "Mark, do you know how to get to Malibu?"
It sounded like a straight line so I said, "No, how?"
Pat said, "You go north on Pacific Coast Highway 'til you hit Ben Vereen..."
Jack Riley, the actor remembered as caustic Elliot Carlin on "The Bob Newhart Show," speaks of his friend in "The Los Angeles Times."
- "Pat's life was enhanced by a never-failing comedic spirit, contagious to all around him."
"I was walking with Pat one night outside of the Braille Institute on Ventura Boulevard. Pat looked to the second floor and noticed five or six totally darkened windows, 'Ah," he said, 'I see they're working late.'
"His mind went to places that most people's don't?. truly original places where poets are found."
- (Paraphrasing)
Carson: So, what do you foresee in the new year?
New Year's Baby: I have a new way to clean out your system.
Carson: Really? How's that work?
New Year's Baby: Sit on a piece of cheese and swallow a live mouse.
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