tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post3245350062291742198..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: My thoughts on Larry GelbartBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-572665430043181532015-05-22T16:01:29.189-07:002015-05-22T16:01:29.189-07:00Mel Brooks, who worked with him in the early 1950s...Mel Brooks, who worked with him in the early 1950s, called Larry Gelbart the "fastest of the fast, the wittiest man in the business".<br /><br />During the filming of Tootsie, when he fell out with the star, Dustin Hoffman, Gelbart fashioned a typically mordant put-down: <br /><br />"Never work with an Oscar winner who is shorter than the statue."<br /><br />And I am TOO a robot.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17792647642303918903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-67104976925815668782013-08-06T18:33:09.347-07:002013-08-06T18:33:09.347-07:00My wife and I saw CITY OF ANGELS one night in 1990...My wife and I saw CITY OF ANGELS one night in 1990. When we were at dinner later, my wife was combing through the play's program. She saw a familiar face, pointed to it, and told me, "That guy was talking to me while you were in the restroom at intermission." It was Larry Gelbart, chatting up my wife! I'd been a Gelbart fan for years and couldn't believe I'd missed an opportunity to meet him. A couple of years later, I emailed him about it and told him what a fan I was, and he promptly replied with a thank-you email. Ken, you're right -- what a guy!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-54257307385591636282009-09-19T08:53:23.779-07:002009-09-19T08:53:23.779-07:00Dear Ken:
How wonderful to read your excellent obi...Dear Ken:<br />How wonderful to read your excellent obituary, as well as all the subsequent comments. I still remember the time I discovered the 25th anniversary reunion of the show, when everyone gathered together to share their memories of the show. That was SO good, and I'm glad it gets repeated occasionally. MASH was one of the best shows on TV, bar none. Oh, God was wonderful as well - especially resonating with the Baha'i community for all the great lines it included, such as "Jesus was My Son, Mohammed was My Son, etc." <br /><br />And thanks to whomever posted the tribute link; I will visit there as well. <br /><br />I'm also reminded of the quotation attribute to the Qur'an: "He deserves paradise who makes his companions laugh." Larry Gelbart certainly did, and certainly does. My appreciation to him.Valerie Smithnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-64839421772803855312009-09-16T21:26:43.479-07:002009-09-16T21:26:43.479-07:00I am not often moved by the loss of someone I have...I am not often moved by the loss of someone I haven't known personally, but this is different.<br /><br />I was a MASH fan during the 70's, when I was a kid. I didn't know who Larry Gelbart was at the time, but I knew I LOVED what I was seeing on TV every week.<br /><br />The first time I saw OH, GOD!, I declared it one of my favorite movies of all time. Slowly, I began to realize the importance of the person who WROTE these things.<br /><br />During the 1990's, I was fairly active with the MASH newsgroup, and I responded to Larry's request for MASH memorabilia, and I sent him a MASH coffee mug that I'd had for years.<br /><br />In gracious response, he sent me an autographed copy of the MASH pilot and a thank you note written to me personally. Me. A NOBODY. And he took the time, and sent me a treasure!<br /><br />I cried when I read your tribute. What a loss. Oh my god.<br /><br />Thank you, Ken, for your work, and I extend my deepest sympathies.<br /><br />Vern RochonVern Rochonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10394836015181031752009-09-16T06:43:42.557-07:002009-09-16T06:43:42.557-07:00I got to know Larry when I understudied John Mahon...I got to know Larry when I understudied John Mahoney and Mike Nussbaum for the run of Larry's play, BETTER LATE, at Northlight last year. He was there for the previews and each night for about two weeks we both sat and/or stood watching the performance from the house right aisle. Over time we came to share perceptions of the progress of the production, sometimes only by a nod and a smile if one of his lines landed well with that audience. He was like a kid in a candy store who still remembered he invented the candy but never tired of the sweet fix of a good laugh. There were always comments after the applause and he was kind enough to answer the questions I asked.<br /> <br />Larry came back near the end of the run to show the piece to his wife Pat, and it happened that I had to go on that night because the doctor had thrown Mike in the hospital for chest pains that turned out to be rib strain from too many push ups or something like that. I had about 6 hours notice and Kimbrough and Mahoney were kind enough to run my scenes in the afternoon. As I sat nervously in my dressing room, Larry knocked and entered and asked how I was and soothed me with a smile and the balm of a few kind words. He made me laugh, told me to break a leg and left. I plodded through the scenes and didn't blow any lines and we took a bow and everyone said kind things. I changed and went next door to collect a beer from Steve Key, who played my son and had cheered me on. I went to the bar and ordered and Larry came up and grabbed my hand and praised me way too much for what I did and what he had seen with the tall Aryan guy playing the role instead of Mike. We all sat and talked and laughed and Larry cracked wise with that great timing he possessed. The guy had no pretense. He was kind and generous and funny and what else do you need to know about anyone? I'll miss him.<br />John KishlineJohn Kishlinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-47964901005886263292009-09-15T15:35:56.957-07:002009-09-15T15:35:56.957-07:00Condolences.Condolences.Dr. Leo Marvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07669626692363827776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-25986233686439405652009-09-15T14:37:25.757-07:002009-09-15T14:37:25.757-07:00I just read that marquees of the Broadway theatres...I just read that marquees of the Broadway theatres will be dimmed tonight,Sept. 15, at 8 PM for one minute to pay tribute to Larry Gelbart.scottmcnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-52194332441205740892009-09-15T05:01:22.080-07:002009-09-15T05:01:22.080-07:00Around 1980, I wrote to Marvin Kitman of Newsday t...Around 1980, I wrote to Marvin Kitman of Newsday to ask him whether or not "United States" would return to NBC. A few weeks later, Larry Gelbart sent me a hand-written letter thanking me for liking the show. I didn't know that Kitman had sent it to Larry, yet he still took the time to write to me.bmfc1https://www.blogger.com/profile/17416188158730495359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-11556146099007848702009-09-15T04:19:36.369-07:002009-09-15T04:19:36.369-07:00If you read the book, "Barbarians at the Gate...If you read the book, "Barbarians at the Gate," then you realize the power of Larry Gelbart's understanding of how and what to write.<br /><br />The book focuses on Ross Johnson, and casts him as the central figure of the buyout drama that unfolds in the last half. The author provides insight into what motivated Johnson to instigate, at that time, the largest LBO in corporate history.<br /><br />Riveting stuff?<br /><br />Gelbart created dialogue to drive a different message than what existed in the book.<br /><br />While Gelbart generated other work, it is all fiction. With his adaptation of Barbarians at the Gate, Gelbart created a wonderful piece that from a non-fiction source. That's talent.bevonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-42899143209674375932009-09-14T19:21:50.280-07:002009-09-14T19:21:50.280-07:00Was and is. Oops!Was and is. Oops!Brian Phillipsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-64700655226661893592009-09-14T19:20:14.667-07:002009-09-14T19:20:14.667-07:00Thank you for a wonderful tribute. It's nice ...Thank you for a wonderful tribute. It's nice to know that an immense talent was owned by a good man. That includes Mr. Gelbart, too, by the way.Brian Phillipshttp://www.rockinradio.com/now_playing.htmnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-8631664843096260192009-09-14T16:42:16.520-07:002009-09-14T16:42:16.520-07:00Oh God! is on a level so few comedies reach. Intel...Oh God! is on a level so few comedies reach. Intelligent and funny. The change the weather gag is an all time favourite of mine. A sad loss.impworkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08891629480335816158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-87574134531224574472009-09-14T16:22:39.238-07:002009-09-14T16:22:39.238-07:00I regret never having met Larry in person, but I&#...I regret never having met Larry in person, but I'm grateful he quickly (and warmly) responded to my various posts on alt.tv.mash, and that we even exchanged a few e-mails.ajmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13290036970774359522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10002582342251192512009-09-14T16:08:07.124-07:002009-09-14T16:08:07.124-07:00What an amazing man. How lucky for you both to ha...What an amazing man. How lucky for you both to have known each other.Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03537051661315086210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-21564358487533182242009-09-14T15:35:57.503-07:002009-09-14T15:35:57.503-07:00For a few weeks, before a deadline extension was g...For a few weeks, before a deadline extension was granted on a book I'm co-writing (my first book, so the pressure sits heavily, especially since it's to be published in January 2011), I became addicted to all forms of sitcoms. I rediscovered many favorite episodes of "M*A*S*H" from the early seasons and through Larry Gelbart's efforts and sometimes his words, I was reminded that though writing may be tough for me in this instance (it's a little easier now), the joy of words should always prevail. I heard that in his dialogue, saw that in his characters, and while words and myself are still somewhat estranged, I feel like there's an understanding now. Just do it and see what comes out, with the hope that maybe something better appears while examining the initial result. The stories you told about Gelbart in this entry, Ken, are equal inspiration.Rory L. Aronskyhttp://www.filmthreat.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-38472312644779125832009-09-14T13:43:30.389-07:002009-09-14T13:43:30.389-07:00his barbarians at the gate was a odel of how to to...his barbarians at the gate was a odel of how to to exposition and make it interestingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-80214614835298789832009-09-14T13:34:45.584-07:002009-09-14T13:34:45.584-07:00I know I'm repeating what others have said, bu...I know I'm repeating what others have said, but it's true, the measure of a man, in part, is the way he treats others along the way, and, it obvious, here was a giant.bensonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-51706956310105662672009-09-14T13:30:24.794-07:002009-09-14T13:30:24.794-07:00Beautiful, Ken. I knew Larry just a little bit, an...Beautiful, Ken. I knew Larry just a little bit, and I know how much I'll miss him--I can only imagine it'll be worse for you. He was the rarest of combinations: a brilliant talent and a nice man. <br /><br />I blogged about him at http://heydeadguy.typepad.com/heydeadguy/ today if you're interested. Thanks for saying it better than I did.<br /><br />And yes, I did tell him that "The More I See You" was my favorite MASH, and that seemed to please him a lot. I've actually taught it in screenwriting classes.Jeff Cohenhttp://jeffcohenbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-64229586657826109242009-09-14T13:00:43.232-07:002009-09-14T13:00:43.232-07:00Demi Moore: She's in love with you.
Michael C...Demi Moore: She's in love with you.<br /><br />Michael Caine: She just thinks she's in love with me.<br /><br />Demi Moore: If she thinks she's in love with you, than she's in love with you.<br /><br />The above is from BLAME IT TO RIO. I just love the simplicity of it.Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02155991693956178030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-13907767526903972322009-09-14T12:59:21.819-07:002009-09-14T12:59:21.819-07:00I was a huge MASH fan growing up. Still am.
I did...I was a huge MASH fan growing up. Still am.<br /><br />I didn't know much about Larry Gelbart. And now that I've read several tributes, I feel that I missed out.Monoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-88375270355396702852009-09-14T12:00:07.718-07:002009-09-14T12:00:07.718-07:00"Enjoy the work of Larry Gelbart. You will la..."Enjoy the work of Larry Gelbart. You will laugh until you hurt. And for those of us who were blessed to have known him, we will hurt until we laugh."<br /><br /><br />Beautiful.James Patrick Joycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12131430226101605199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-36616994434326501182009-09-14T11:34:03.767-07:002009-09-14T11:34:03.767-07:00A sad, sad loss and a fine tribute. But look at al...A sad, sad loss and a fine tribute. But look at all the fond memories, laughter and joy coming out in the comments. Now that's something the internet doesn't see every day.<br /><br />WV: extica = the shelf in the bookshop where you <i>won't</i> find "'The Story of 'O'"blogwardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07362291687463326731noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-70458111963401940482009-09-14T10:55:36.407-07:002009-09-14T10:55:36.407-07:00What a lovely tribute, Ken. I have tears in my eye...What a lovely tribute, Ken. I have tears in my eyes. I feel I know Larry even better now, and his loss is even greater because of that. <br /><br />Sending you peace and healing.Rose Vanden Eyndenhttp://www.vandeneynden.biz/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-44877846397603979322009-09-14T10:55:33.785-07:002009-09-14T10:55:33.785-07:00Here's my Larry Gelbart story. I had my fifte...Here's my Larry Gelbart story. I had my fifteen minutes of fame in 1981 when I produced and acted in the West Coast premier of a play called "NUTS." <br />The production was a huge hit and we managed to move it from an Equity Waiver house to a large 300 seat theater where it ran for a year. After the show we had lot celebs come backstage to congratulate us on the show every night. Larry was one of them and he couldn't have been more gracious and kind. <br /><br />Now here's the amazing part. Over the years, I'm talking ten, fifteen years, at a stretch I would run into Larry usually at the theater. Every time, not only did he remember me, but he treated me as an equal and as a friend. I had transitioned into writing by then and he would actually talk shop with a nobody like me. <br /><br />He was such a class act. What can I say? Larry Gelbart moved me.Michael Zandnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-71370944799437368592009-09-14T10:48:44.046-07:002009-09-14T10:48:44.046-07:00Well put.Well put.Mike Bellnoreply@blogger.com