"Ed Sullivan brought me to TV first in 1952, then Garry Moore's program gave me a lot of confidence and freedom."
About Alan King
Alan King — Life and Legacy
Alan King was a prominent figure in American comedy, celebrated for his sharp wit and keen observations about human nature. His unique ability to blend humor with poignant insights set him apart in the entertainment industry. King’s quote, 'The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about,' reflects his understanding of the human desire for recognition and connection, emphasizing that visibility, even when controversial, is preferable to anonymity. King's work often challenged societal norms, using humor to address serious topics while maintaining a light-hearted approach. He famously stated, 'If you can't laugh at yourself, you might be missing the joke,' which encapsulates his belief in the importance of self-reflection and humility. This perspective not only resonated with audiences but also provided a framework for navigating life's complexities through laughter. Today, Alan King's quotes continue to inspire, reminding us that humor can serve as a powerful tool for understanding and coping with the challenges of life. His legacy lies in his ability to make people laugh while encouraging them to think critically about their experiences.
Quote collection
Alan King quotes (page 1 of 3)
48 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Marriage is nature's way of keeping us from fighting with strangers."
"If you want to read about love and marriage, you've got to buy two separate books."
"Let's face it: It's difficult enough to be funny without worrying about what is going to offend whom."
"I made it, Ma - Carnegie Hall. And I didn't have to practice."
"We get the worrywart, the hypochondriac, the money-grubbing miser, the intractable negotiator... Some would say certain of these refer to the stereotypical, or 'stage' Jew. But objectively speaking, the only crime in humor is an unfunny joke."
"A summary of every Jewish holiday: They tried to kill us, we won, let's eat!"
"Banks have a new image. Now you have 'a friend,' your friendly banker. If the banks are so friendly, how come they chain down the pens?"
"You know you are getting old when people tell you how good you look."
"If you stop and think about it, nearly all great humor is at the expense of someone or something."
"My father helped me leave. He said, 'It's all out there, it's not here.'"
"As life's pleasures go, food is second only to sex. Except for salami and eggs. Now that's better than sex, but only if the salami is thickly sliced."
"The other day my house caught fire. My lawyer said, "Shouldn't be a problem. What kind of coverage do you have?" I said, "Fire and theft." The lawyer frowned. "Uh oh. Wrong kind. Should be fire OR theft.""
"I'm only... I'm only unhappy when the reviews are bad, but give me a good review and I'm a... I'm just screaming all over the place with joy."
"My father was a dreamer - my hero. He was a smart, tough guy from Poland, a cutter of lady's handbags, an old socialist-unionist who always considered himself a failure. His big line was: 'Don't end up like me.'"
"Comedy is a reflection. We create nothing. We set no styles, no standards. We're reflections. It's a distorted mirror in the fun house. We watch society. As society behaves, then we have the ability to make fun of it."
"I don't mind being 65, but nobody is gonna tell me to come in at 5:30 to have the early bird special."
"When I was in the hospital they gave me apple juice every morning, even after I told them I didn't like it. I had to get even. One morning, I poured the apple juice into the specimen tube. The nurse held it up and said, 'It's a little cloudy.' I took the tube from her and said, 'Let me run it through again,' and drank it. The nurse fainted."
"The world is full of little dictators trying to run your life."
"I won't eat in a place that has suits of armor."