R.I.P. Rodney Dangerfield

[Brother Ragnarok]

Much respect to a funny funny man.

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Entertainment/reuters20041005_556.html

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go drink myself into a coma to deal with the depression.

[Ash]

I'll always remember him for his role in "Easy Money".
That was a great movie.

[Scott]

It just goes to show you that we are all getting older. People keep getting another year older every year.

Caddyshack and Easy Money first come to mind and his "no respect" routine.

[ulthar]

Oh man, I had not heard this!  I heard about Janet Leigh yesterday, but not Dangerfield.

[Chris K.]

Rodney Dangerfield always had a special place in my heart. Seeing him in such classics like CADDYSHACK, EASY MONEY, and BACK TO SCHOOL, Rodney has always managed to make me break out a smile and laugh. It's really sad that during Rodney's final years was never given a bigger chance in the comedy genre; Hollywood never really gave this guy a break and it's a real shame. Still, Rodney will be truely missed.

Here's to you, Rodney and thanks for the good times. And may I quote his last line in CADDYSHACK: "Hey everybody, were all getting laid!"

[trekgeezer]

Rodney was one of the greats of all time, he's going to really be missed.

[odinn7]

Rodney was one of the funniest. Back to School and his part in Caddy Shack were awesome. My day has now taken on a different tone. I will miss him.
I know you didn't want it from me Rodney, but I respected you.

[Mr_Vindictive]

Wow.  This is the first I've heard about his death.  

Truly a sad day.  The man was one of the funniest people to ever walk the earth.  Not only were his films hilarious, but he was by far the best stand up comedian.  

We'll all miss you Rodney.  Keep em laughing up there.



Post Edited (10-06-04 07:42)

[AndyC]

Heard the news on the radio this morning. Funny how, when you don't see somebody for years, he remains the same age in your mind. Then you're shocked when you see him again, or hear news like this. Now that I think about it, I'm surprised he wasn't older. I guess 82 isn't bad for a guy who didn't look particularly healthy even in his 50s. Or maybe it was just the sort of overindulging characters he played that misled me.

I think I'll pick up a DVD of Caddyshack. Been thinking about that movie all day, particularly Rodney's great scenes with the late Ted Knight. "That's the worst lookin' hat I ever saw. When you buy a hat like that, you probably get a free bowl of soup. Oh, but it looks good on you." Classic.

Of all the comedies I loved in the 80s, Caddyshack is one of a few that haven't lost any of their greatness when viewed through more mature eyes. I could watch it again and again, and it's still funny. And extremely quotable.



Post Edited (10-06-04 14:52)

[reagan]

Ulther - Janet was a shock to me too; last I heard she was saving tigers

[reagan]

Okay, not a fan (feel tomatoes and other fruit & veg thrown @ me), But I saw Him on Simpsons - fuuuny, but u guys all loved him.  I was shocked to hear of his death also. RIP

[Tilebreaker]

Wasn't he planning on cloning himself?

[peter johnson]

What I find most interesting about the guy was that in his first career as Borscht Belt comic Jack Roy, he was Lenny Bruce's best friend on the Catskills circuit.  Any time you read a Lenny Bruce bio & see Jack Roy mentioned, that was/is Dangerfield.
Whereas other comics might have tried to capitalize on such a historic relationship, Dangerfield seldomn mentioned it, and would then change the subject.  Perhaps it was too painful for him to discuss.
peter johnson/denny crane

[Mofo Rising]

It would be a mistake to only view Rodney through the movies he made.

Dangerfield was not a success when he first showed up on the comedy scene.  His "I never get no respect" routine was late late in his career, at least comparatively speaking.

This is where Rodney shined.  He was one of the only people who actively encourage new comedians.  Many of the comedians who you are laughing at today got their chance thanks to Rodney Dangerfield.  When nobody else would put these people on stage, Dangerfield was busy putting them on.

Rodney Dangerfield was a hilarious man onstage, but it's his genius for picking out funny and making sure they got a chance to perform is while I'll always love him.

Have you ever tried to be funny in front of a large group of people?  Rodney was the man.  Who will there ever be like him again?