085 More Respect (Rodney Dangerfield)

See the transcript of this episode at this link.

Who was Rodney Dangerfield?

Rodney Dangerfield, born Jacob Rodney Cohen on November 22, 1921, in Babylon, New York, was a legendary American comedian and actor, famous for his self-deprecating humor and the iconic catchphrase, "I don't get no respect!" His journey to stardom was anything but smooth, marked by persistence and resilience.

Dangerfield's early life was challenging, with a difficult upbringing and early struggles in show business. He first tried his hand at comedy in the 1940s under the stage name Jack Roy but found little success and eventually quit the industry to support his family by working as a salesman. However, his passion for comedy never waned, and in the 1960s, he made a triumphant return to the stage under the name Rodney Dangerfield.

His big break came in 1967 when he appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show," where his unique style and relatable humor resonated with audiences. Dangerfield's persona of the beleaguered everyman who couldn’t catch a break struck a chord, leading to numerous appearances on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and other popular talk shows.

Dangerfield's success extended to the big screen, where he starred in hit films like "Caddyshack" (1980), "Easy Money" (1983), and "Back to School" (1986), further cementing his place in comedy history.

Beyond his comedic talent, Rodney Dangerfield was known for his contributions to the comedy community, including his famous Dangerfield's Comedy Club in New York City, which helped launch the careers of many future stars.

Rodney Dangerfield passed away on October 5, 2004, but his legacy endures through his timeless humor and unforgettable contributions to the world of comedy.