We will never see such a comedic genius like this again. I would fall in the floor laughing when I used to watch Jonothan Winters on Jack Parr or anywhere else. Once Jack Parr gave him a plunger to improvise with, and his antics were just hysterical and absolutely came from pure brilliance. I mean, whose mind could think of such things so quickly and mimic or execute the nonstop sketches one after the other? Humor is the highest form of intelligence, I was told once, and I believe this applies to Jonothan Winters. The world is a lot less funny and dimmer without him.
Met him in SB at a book signing. He was dressed in an English army uniform and had the waiting line in stitches. When I got close enough for him to hear me, I remarked that the "english army had just won the war" a line from the Beatles song and then it began. A non stop exchange that I will never forget. A huge wit and a lovely and gracious man. Thank you Johnny for letting us all in on your world. RIP.
One of the half dozen or so TRUE comic geniuses. His 1960 album "Down to Earth" has 4 ONE MAN skits that are equal to if not superior to anything ever done on SNL. His combination of satire, impersonations, characterizations and improv is unequaled.
I had this recorded on my little $15 tape recorder with the 3" reels and I recorded it off the tv when I was a kid. I played it over and over again. Thanks for posting this fond memory.
Just simply the BEST! And notice Paar in the background looking on in amazement. Love, love LOVE Jonathan Winters, always. Thanks for posting this terrific video.
Mr. Winters loss hurts almost like losing my dad, who loved Jonathan's humor, so somehow they are connected to me. A man who was clean, original, and funny, but beyond that, he seemed to have a humble and sincere charm that made you feel relaxed and comfortable - a gentle soul. I've often wondered how fun it would have been to have an Uncle Jonathan at the dinner table. I feel like yet another part of my life is now gone.
it really doesn't get any better than this. he saw more than his share of sorrow and loss- somehow, his comedic genius transcended all the pain; he was a gift.
My father just told me about this, so i had to look it up. I know of Johnathan winters, but very little of his genius. LOVED it. I have a sneaking suspicion I MAY be up most of the night watching more videos.
This is sooooooooooo funny! This is from fifty years ago, a bygone era when spontaneous creativity was valued and appreciated. And if you want more humor and laughs, just look down the right hand column for dozens more hysterical video clips from Johnny Carson, Groucho Mark, Robin Williams, Paul Lynde, and many more. ENJOY!!!!!!!!
22 people have no heart, soul, mind, funny bone, sense of humor- or they don't speak English!!! how in heaven or hell could ANYBODY dislike this genius??? they must be having a helluva laugh in Heaven now... rest in Peace, Funny Funny Man!!!
A true comedian in every sense of the word. NEVER relied on gutter humor or obscenities for easy laughs. RIP my funny friend. You never failed to make me laugh.
Well before my time.Only came across Mr Winters via a johnny Carson show i watched on youtube.What a great comic.Just love the clips with Jonathan and Dean Martin.
Rest in peace Jonathon. You were the funniest man i ever saw.I watched you on tv when i was a kid and loved you then.You always kept in touch with your inner child which kept you young at heart. Whenever i get depressed in this crazy life,i watch your videos here,laugh a lot and life seems better. You will keep people laughing for generations to come. You are missed so dearly.
I saw this when it was first broadcast. I had been watching JW since he had his syndicated show in the 50s. He inspired me to learn how to make the sound of getting shot by an arrow. Thhhhhhippp, ooooohhhh.
Many forget or are too young to know that Steve Allen and Jack Paar preceded Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. All the best episodes of Paar featured Jonathan Winters improvisations. Paar let him do anything he wanted as displayed in this clip and he never failed to entertain. These episodes were priceless. Carson had the good sense to continue JW’s appearances.
Dear Johnathan- you bring me such joy when I see you on RU-vid! And I reckon I have the best strategy for those that give me a hard time- “wave my wand & they will disappear! “. 😊
This guy was always a panic in my book.... been watching him ever since I was about 5 years old....and hold him directly for laughter being my drug of choice...
So so funny, when I was child I recorded this on my 1st tape recorder with the 3" reels of tape. I hadn't seen the video in years. He's Robin Williams spiritual father.
My #1 All Time Improvising Comedian Actor. Nanue Nanue! *L.I.P. Mr. Jonathan (Union Trooper) Winters To Er is a Human Thing, to Be Able To Help Humanity Be Humorous & *Laughing is Devine's Gain 4evermore.
