Nearly 93, the funnyman behind TV classics like « The Dick Van Dyke Show » and movies like « The Jerk » has not stopped cracking us up
Carl Reiner started getting laughs on TV comedy more than 60 years ago. No wonder he’s an entertainment legend — a legend who’s lost none of his legendary wit, as Tracy Smith discovered when she came to call:
So how does Carl Reiner feel these days? « Like a 93-year-old, » he told Tracy Smith. « But I don’t feel it in my head. I walk around the block all day, so my legs are good. So, what is 93? The number’s scary!
« First thing in the morning, before I have coffee, I read the obits. If I’m not in it, I’ll have breakfast. »
At nearly 93, Reiner is in a shape people half his age might envy:
« My doctor says all my vital signs are perfect. I could live another hour! » he said.
He only sounds like he’s on borrowed time.
The truth is, Smith said, he is still productive. « You’re still writing. I mean, it’s not like you’re waiting around. »
« No, no. I wake up every morning anxious to get to my — what do you call it? We used to call it a typewriter. My computer! »
By any name, that keyboard is busy: Reiner’s just finished the fourth volume of his memoirs, « What I Forgot to Remember. » Clearly, the 12-time Emmy-winner has a lot to look back on.
Carl Reiner didn’t create TV, but he was there in the delivery room. As a writer and performer, he was a giant among giants. His co-writers on Sid Caeser’s « Your Show of Show » alone included Larry Gelbart (creator of the TV show « MASH »), comic genius Mel Brooks, and playwright Neil Simon.
In fact, he was on TV before he even owned a TV.
« Yes, we didn’t have a TV when I did ‘Show of Shows, » he said. « And we finally got a little seven-inch set and the kids used to watch it. And Robbie was four or five or six, and he said, ‘Say hello to me.’ And I said, ‘I can’t say hello on television, but when I do this — when I put my tie up in the finale while we’re saying goodbye — that’s for you.' » Reiner did it every night.
« How sweet is that? » asked Smith.
« Very! »
But after years of writing sketch comedy, Reiner had an idea for a show of his own: a sit-com about a New York City comedy writer (like him), who lived in the suburbs with an adorable family (like his).
