He became famous as a stand-up comedian specializing in jokes told in a heavy Jewish dialect. But offstage, he spoke perfect, cultured English. Unlike many star performers of his time, he was very affable and approachable in public.
His path to comedy started in New York City's garment district, where he worked as a salesman. When calling on customers, before showing his samples, he would tell a joke to put everyone at ease and establish a friendly mood. Cohen’s jokes were often more popular than his garment samples, and his customers urged him to become a professional comedian.
Here's a selection from Cohen's 1952 appearance on The Kate Smith Evening Hour. Enjoy!
(A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS: THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS. YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.)
One of the best!
ReplyDeleteIn New York City, a long time ago I met Mr. Cohen at the restaurant where my Jewish friend was having his Bar Mitzvah. The whole Jewish culture was new to me since I was brought up Catholic. But I fell in love with the humor and work ethnic for which I am thankful.
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful. It's a shame there are no comedians that do this kind of standup comedy today.
ReplyDeleteI laughed so hard I nearly wet myself. This was watching Myron on TV. Then when I was in the Royal Canadian Navy Myron came to Halifax, Nova Scotia and played a club called the Lobster Trap and I got to meet this rare individual. Fond memories.
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