So according to Punchline Magazine, Eddie Murphy will be playing the late great Richard Pryor in an upcoming movie. Personally I think Chris Rock would be a better choice, but I think Eddie is a good choice. After reading this I come across this article from Chucklemonkey.com about the anniversary of the passing of Bill Hicks at the age of 32. This got me to thinking, why do comics die young?
I took some time to think about those who have passed before their prime. Andy Kaufman, Chris Farly, John Belushi, Mitch Hedburg, Richard Jeni, Lenny Bruce, Phil Hartman, Freddie Prinze, John Candy, Sam Kinsison and they are just the ones I could come up with. Why is this? Why do these guys die?
It seems that drugs are one of the main reason. It seems that drugs are all around comedy. One of Mitch Hedburgs jokes is,"I love the UPS guy, he is a drug dealer and he doesn't even know it." He died of a drug over dose. Many comedians talk about using drugs in their act. Stephen Lynch talks about using cocaine. Many many talk about smoking pot and even more talk about getting drunk, while drinking on stage. This begs the question, do drugs make you a better writer?
I have a friend that use to be a musician. When I asked why he stopped writing music he said, "I stopped being creative, when I stopped smoking." When he says smoking he means thumb pointer cigarettes, not pointer middle cigarettes, if you catch my drift. It seems that drugs like marijuana and cocaine are the steroids of comedy. It really is a scary thought that if these comedians did not do these drugs they might still be around, but they might also not be funny. So I can't really blame these guys. Comedy is the dream. There is nothing on this earth like making a room full of people burst out with laughter. And with no board of health monitoring the use of comedy enhancement drugs, I can see why they use. That is what makes it so scary.
I can't help but look at myself. I have never done an illegal drug. Never smoked a cigarette. I drink but after two I am pretty much a goner. I think I am funny now, but would I be funnier if I spent some time under the influence? I mean that is a main source of material for many comedians that I do not have access to. If everyone is the comic world is doing it why shouldn't I level the playing field.
Of course I would never do any drugs, but you can see the temptation. You could see why a new comic would fall into this trap. It seems that this pattern will continue for as long as drugs can be made available. So forever and always me and other clean comics will be at a disadvantage. Disagree? Think that drugs are not funny. Well answer me this, how funny was this post? Okay now how funny do you think this post would have been if it started with the line, "Okay, I just took mushrooms."?
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“Okay, I just took mushrooms” Noooooooooo Noah nooooooo!!! Don’t do it!! Lol! You know what, I never thought about it that why? Comedians do die fairly young? I honestly never knew that some of them are drug addicts or that drug can enhance one’s comedy . I do remember that one comedian I forget his name he was “Bay Bay Kids” and he was the das in “House Party”. He was an alcoholic and I think he died in his early 40’s. But you blog post is very interesting. I know when I have a drink or two I’m done for the night as well. However, I don’t get funny, I got friendly lol.
ReplyDeleteJust today I was discussing the old cast of SNL with a coworker of mine. We both agreed that a cast under the influence was definitely funnier. Case(s)in point: John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner...need I say more? While I will not promote drug use to anyone, this list you created is pretty convincing stuff. A possible explanation for the hilarity of the influenced is that their behavior is the exact opposite of our perceived normal. Drug-induced, borderline insanity is a sure way to get someone's attention...and maybe even die young.
ReplyDelete"It seems that drugs like marijuana and cocaine are the steroids of comedy."
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that to a degree, great art requires neurosis. In general, comedians seem to frequently suffer from emotional problems. When one thinks of Chris Farley or John Belushi, one can't help but think that their senses of humor developed as defense mechanisms. They both were heavy-set and were likely socially awkward. The class clown is rarely the butt of any jokes.
In his comeback role in the film Rushmore, Bill Murray plays a wealthy businessman competing with a fifteen-year-old boy for the love a young widow. in one scene, Bill Murray is riding in a hospital elevator. He is dressed in a disheveled designer suit and drinking canned beer. While smoking one cigarette, he lights another and places it in his mouth. Murray seems to be frequently cast as humorously self-loathing characters. He is the funny man who hates himself. The pessimistic narcissist.
Very interesting topic. I find it relates to my own, an exploration of my love for all things Country. The late great Hank Williams Sr. was a raging alcoholic. When he stopped drinking, he was unable to write songs. Sometimes addiction and pain fuel the greatest creativity. The tragic artist...
I find this oddly strange, but as I think you and the prior posters are all right on the observation that people seem to have connections with creativity and drugs. This can be all psycological or all experimental. The experience of some of the most awful or strange thing could make them desensitised to it so that they can make something that usually isn't funny actually funny. I am extremely interested in seeing where you are going with this.
ReplyDeleteI like your topic. Growing up in a family with a lot of depressed people gives me an appreciation for anything funny. Tommy Boy and Uncle Buck are two of my favorites. You should look into Drop Dead Fred, it's hilarious. I heard about a movie script they say was cursed because every actor who read it to play the part died. This was over like a twenty year span. First it was Jim Belushi, then John Candy, then Chris Farley nd finally they gave up after Phil Hartman's death. No one else will handle the script (interesting I thought!) Mitch Hedburg is great, I saw him at The Comedy Stop at the Trop. Love the topic!
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