Iconic Imbibers: a bi-weekly profile of some of history’s most famous and infamous drinkers. This week we feature an eclectic collection of the world’s best known comedians.
Comedians are famous for their comedy, but they become legendary for their vices. When you consider that so much of their time is spent in watering holes crafting their jokes in front of an audience of laughing (or heckling) drinkers, it is natural that they indulge in a drink or two before and after a night on stage. Some comics for example write material inspired by the act of drinking while others create a character whose personality is not complete without a reference to a cocktail or the visual of a drink in hand.
Interestingly, the stand up is not only a type of comedian but also a type of bar. Sometimes comics can be found alone on stage bombing, and other times they are alone at the wood getting bombed. In contrast, after a day of shooting movies together, comedic actors will celebrate with shots of their favourite spirits, choosing to drink in packs, forming their own social circles (ie. The Rat Pack).
Most will agree that a memorable night out watching comedy often involves slaking a few tasty beverages and sharing a lot of laughs. Regardless of what type of comedian or comedy lover you are, there is one thing that everyone agrees on, comics are always a lot funnier after you have had a few sips of your favourite cocktail, which is why we tip or tipple our glasses to the comedian. Here are a few clever quotations popularized by some of the funniest people in showbiz who have slaked their way to comic immortality:
W.C. Fields:
“I exercise extreme self-control. I never drink anything stronger than gin before breakfast.”
“I drink with impunity…or anyone else who invites me.”
“Now don’t say you can’t swear off drinking; it’s easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.”
Steven Wright:
“I made wine out of raisins so I wouldn’t have to wait for it to age.”
George Carlin:
“One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.”
Steve Allen:
“Do not allow children to mix drinks. It is unseemly and they use too much vermouth.”
Mae West:
“I must get out of these wet clothes and into a dry Martini.”
Dean Martin:
“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re
going to feel all day.”
“If you drink, don’t drive. Don’t even putt.”
“I’ve stopped drinking. Now I just freeze it on a stick and eat it like a popsicle.”
Posted
Apr 21 2009, 12:18 PM
by
Trevor Burnett