Back to the 1950s to meet an all-time tummler, a man known as the "human joke machine," Morey Amsterdam. A close brush with violence at one of Al Capone's Chicago speakeasies sent Morey packing for LA and a career than included being a comedy writer, stand-up star, and sitcom icon for his portrayal of comedy writer Buddy Sorrell on the Dick Van Dyke show. Morey even copped a role in the "beach movies" of the early 1960s! As always, find more Morey below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Morey often used music in his act, delivering one-liner after one-liner in the context of a silly song. There isn't much early Morey that exists on tape, but this old clip (sorry for the quality) shows him belting his newest hit -- "Cheese and Cracker" with a host of groaning gags mixed in. https://youtu.be/JskPfuzGlVU
Morey's biggest claim to fame was his role as gag writer Buddy Sorrell on the Dick Van Dyke show. His writers room chemistry with Rose Marie (who played fellow writer Sally Rogers) was infectious and they were able to take their personas to other shows, such as this guest spot on the Hollywood Palace back in 1964 (and yes, that is Groucho hosting). https://youtu.be/cQik0KEpgZY
Morey stayed active well into his 70s, as evidenced by this spot on the "Here it is -- Burlesque!" special. Yes, he is still doing the same act he was in the 40s. And yes, the audience still loves him! https://youtu.be/qH0wjYQRm3U
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