We’re all sitting here in the press box at Eck Stadium, waiting for the rain drops so subside and for the Wichita State-Arizona State game to begin. I see some Shockers coming out to begin the process of removing the tarp, which is a good sign. Rain delays are at once boring and fun, if there can be such a thing.
Rain delays force you to actually interact with the other people in the press box. I suppose I could have just sat here next to my computer and surfed the Internet. But I kind of like to make the rounds and I got to talking to my good friend about Ted Woodward and reminiscing about the funny actors and comedians we admire the most. I asked my Eagle colleague Paul Suellentrop to give me his list of five top comedians or comedic actors and I asked the same of Ted. So our lists are forthcoming.
I have also been playing an e-mail version of word association with a friend of mine during this rain delay. I caught up a bit with Bruce Haertl and Shane Dennis, who are doing the game on television tonight. I’m a virtual social animal during rain delays, and I’m positive people appreciate that about me.
OK, time for our lists. By the way, Suellentrop is in deep thought while he attempts to come up with his top five. So I’ll list mine first:
1) Don Rickles _ Hands down, the funniest human being on the planet. I literally cry every time I see him. He’s the rare comedian who can be funny even when he’s not funny. In fact, he might be funnier when his stuff falls flat.
2) Don Knotts _ He was spectacular in The Andy Griffith Show for five years. As Ted reminded me, Knotts won five Emmys in those five years, which is unprecedented.
3) Jonathan Winters _ He had an old variety show back in the day and it was a show I never, ever missed.
4) Carroll O’Connor _ There will never be a better character on television than Archie Bunker.
5) I need to come up with someone at least a little bit contemporary here. I’m sounding really, really old. So, how about Bill Maher. Yes, he’s liberal. But so am I. And what a wit.
OK, now for the lists of Woodward and Suellentrop, two true comedy enthusiasts.
Woodward’s Top 5
1. Don Rickles
2. Paul Lynde (Oh my god, how could I have left him off my list?)
3. Jack Benny (I love him, too)
4. Larry Storch (of F-Troop fame)
5. Charles Nelson Reilly (Ted, to this day, watches Match Game re-runs)
Suellentrop’s Top 5
1. Jerry Seinfeld (hard to argue)
2. Mel Brooks (I wish I had thought of him)
3. John Belushi (again, duh)
4. Steve Carrell (I would put him at my No. 5 if I had it to do over again)
5. Steve Martin
Man, I really like Paul’s list. Feel free to send along your top five.