Professor Irwin Corey, RIP

[mjzee]

Comedian Irwin Corey, known for playing an absent-minded professor in an act that called him the “World’s Foremost Authority,” has died at age 102. He died “peacefully, at home” on Monday according to his son, Richard.

Known for his wordy mockery of intellectuals, messy hair, high tops, string necktie and unique opening line (“However…”), Corey had the praise of Damon Runyon and close friend Lenny Bruce. He spent his 80-year-long career visiting late night talk shows, playing “Oklahoma!” character Ali Hakim in a touring U.S.O. production, performing raucous stand-up comedy and perfecting his character, the “professor.”

[sidewinder]

RIP - What a great innings he had. I remember sitting right in front of him once by the stage as he did his act at Ronnie Scotts (alternating with Cedar Walton, I recall). I was right in the firing line as he proceeded to target members of the audience. Makes me squirm thinking about it. Ronnie Scott was stood on my left, enjoying every minute.

Fond memories !

His outfit that night included black tailcoat, boot lace tie, levi jeans and sneakers 

Edited February 8, 2017 by sidewinder

[paul secor]

New York Times obituary: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/07/arts/irwin-corey-comedian-and-foremost-authority-dies-at-102.html

He was one of those performers who can be said to have been unique. I was lucky enough to meet him in passing after a concert several years ago.

Thanks for the laughs and everything else you gave me over the years, Professor. I'll miss you.

[JSngry]

I still recall seeing his name mentioned in the liners to Sonny's VV record ca. 1975 and thinking, wow, that guy's been around THAT long?

Well, that much, and more, more. I never saw the guy (never live, alas), that his chops weren't good to go for the gig at hand. Skills and soul and vision all the way through.

RIP to a true player.

[Jim R]

An underrated genius, in my opinion.  He was always completely in control, while being totally out of control.  He made what he did look very easy, but the kind of timing and improvisational skills that were required... definitely not easy.  I dug him even when I was just a kid, and I remember not wanting to laugh too much, for fear of missing a great line or a perfectly chosen word.

Glad that he had such a long run.  Hard to believe this was 33 years ago:

 

 

[rostasi]

His scene in Car Wash that I'll always remember.
Also, I wish Franklyn Ajaye had stayed with comedy.
Liked those first three albums of his.

 

Edited February 8, 2017 by rostasi

[JSngry]

2 hours ago, rostasi said:

Also, I wish Franklyn Ajaye had stayed with comedy.
Liked those first three albums of his.

 

NSFW, but...this is an all-time classic, imo.