Some of you may remember Sam Kinison, one of the most popular comedians of the 80′s. Kinison was famous for his stand-up routines which would generally begin on a mellow note, only to turn into the mother of all rants and finally topped off by his trademark scream.
Born in Yakima, WA, on December 8, 1953, Kinison was the son of a Pentecostal preacher. He followed in his father’s footsteps until having an epiphany and deciding he wanted to change careers. It was obviously an unusual career choice but one I’m glad he made.
Kinison’s appearance on Rodney Dangerfield’s Ninth Annual Young Comedians Special in the summer of 1984 is widely considered to be his breakthrough performance. Two years later he would appear with Dangerfield in the movie Back to School, playing the role of Professor Terguson. It was a short scene but one of the more memorable from that film (See clip below).
On April 10, 1992 Kinison was cruising along Route 95 when his vehicle was struck by a 17-year-old who had been drinking. His best friends J.J. Wall and Carl LaBove were in the van behind him. Kinison got out of his car and fell to the ground, and LaBove picked him up and held him. As they sat on the road, LaBove reports that Kinison began talking and said, “No, not now.” Then he laughed and said, “No, not yet.” He said, “OK, OK,” then died in the arms of his best friend. Sam Kinison was dead at 39.
Here’s to you Sam, I’ll always remember the laughs buddy.
sad, yet touching, thanks moon !! love the vid you chose!!
Great post, Moondog. I most remember Kinison for his bit where he ranted on taking the world’s hungry to “WHERE THE FOOD IS! YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS? IT’S SAND! DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT’S GONNA BE 10 YEARS FROM NOW? SAND!!!”
CK – Very sad indeed, He and Stevie Ray Vaughn died much too soon.
Check out my reply on the Rosa Blasi post.
Sabanocchio – Ironic you should mention that bit. That’s my favorite too. I was still in the military. In fact, I listened to it one night when we were in the Persian Gulf.
I must say I fully agree with Sam’s prescription for fixing the problems of that part of the world. Send them luggage.