Foster Brooks

A comedian, Brooks was hardly noticed until singer Perry Como discovered him playing the character he created in 1969 that made him famous: a funny drunk. Brooks drew on his own excesses with alcohol to create the character. "I never drew a sober breath from Friday night to Monday," he once said. "[In 1964], I quit. Fellow made me a $10 bet I couldn't quit, and I haven't had a drink since. At the time I needed the $10." Brooks was a frequent guest on the Dean Martin's Celebrity Roasts, giving slurred testimonial to the honoree. Teri Elmendorf, Brooks' daughter, says recovering alcoholics often told him that the act "gave them the laughter they needed to get through their recovery." In addition, she said, he was a spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving "and did public service announcements in many states." Brooks died December 20 at home in Encino, Calif. He was 89. From This is True for 23 December 2001 Suggestions for further reading: In Fifty Years We'll All Be Chicks: . . . And Other Complaints from an Angry ... by Adam Carolla Amazon Price: $13.50   Comedy in a Minor Key: A Novel by Hans Keilson Amazon Price: $14.96 Customer Review: Comedy in a Minor Key tells the story of a young Dutch couple, Wim and Marie, who conceal Nico, a Jewish perfume salesman, in their spare bedroom for a year during World War II. For Wim and Marie, their generosity isn't born out of political passio...   Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler Amazon Price: $14.99 Customer Review: Chelsea Handler's latest book is every bit as hilarious as her others, if not more. My only regret is that it is not currently available as an audiobook, because hearing her escapades told in her own voice is priceless. Though it someti...   Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler Amazon Price: Customer Review: but I'm reviewing based on the one chapter I downloaded for my Kindle. Usually, I review after I've read the entire book, but that ain't gonna happen in this case. I'm easily distracted by historical inaccuracies, whether they be of pop ...   Easily Amused by Karen McQuestion Amazon Price: Customer Review: I saw many of the 5 star reviews on Amazon.com and thought I'd be in for a fantastic read. Sadly, McQuestion doesn't quite pull it off. The writing is good, but it's more a question of plot. The beginning of the story leaves you wanting more, but the...   Newsfeed display by CaRP

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