Even More Old Jewish Comedians at the Friars

The one, the only Abe Vigoda!

ABE VIGODA. Need I say more?

 All right, I will. On 9/15/11, the legendary NY Friars Club on E. 55th St ("Friars Way") hosted a "Book-Warming" party in the "Milton Berle Room" (the largest room) for my new book "Even More Old Jewish Comedians" (Fantagraphics).

The party was hosted by the book's cover boy, younger Old Jewish Comedian Stewie Stone. Among those also included in the new book who attended and did schtick for the crowd were veteran comics Bobby Ramsen, Eddie Lawrence ("The Old Philosopher"), and the one, the only... Abe Vigoda. The great Larry Storch, who was in the second volume, also delighted the crowd with his spot-on impersonations. A memorable time was (hopefully) had by all, Jew & non-Jew alike.

From the NY Daily News "Gatecrasher" column by Frank DiGiacomo. 5th story...
http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2011/09/19/2011-09-19_tiki_barber_and_fiance_tracie_johnson_prepare_for_upcoming_wedding_after_nfl_sta.html

This blog by Comedy historian Ronald Smith has more party details:
http://ronaldlsmith.blogspot.com/2011/09/drew-friedman-and-even-more-old-jewish.html?spref=fb

Thanks to the following photographers for sharing their terrific photos: Randy Bucknoff, Mel Neuhaus, John Shea, David Burd, Bob Greenberg, Kevin Goodman and my brother Kipp Friedman.

The party invitation

The Friars club, ready for the Old Jewish Comedian onslaught 

The excited crowd lines up down the block for the party

gathering inside the huge Milton Berle room

I present the new book to my old pal, comedian Gilbert Gottfried and his wife Dara. Gilbert blurbed the back cover.

Gilbert is always delighted to see his name in print!

Me & Gilbert

Two legends: Mad magazine's Al Jaffee & "Handsome" Dick Manitoba

#1 Howard Stern "Superfan" Liz Belmont & Handsome Dick

Me & the great comedian Larry Storch, forever Agarn of F-Troop fame

My brother Kipp with Larry

Eddie Lawrence, Larry Storch, comedian Tommy Moore and the guy with the amazing mustache

Larry & Gilbert

Larry & Zero Mostel look-a-like

Old Jewish comedian Bobby Ramsen inscribes his portrait to Young Jewish comedian Mike Fine

With Comedian/actor and former Uncle Floyd cast member Michael Townsend Wright

actors Craig Bierko and Michael Wright

Famed Comedy writer Tom Leopold mingles with comedienne/Friar Nancy Lombardo

Old school pals: the great cartoonist Mark Newgarden and the great jazz musician Gene Williams

Eddie Lawrence and comic/Friar Bob Greenberg

Drew & Kipp Friedman

Cover boy Stewie Stone warms up the crowd: "That was a funny joke! Fuck You!"

Stewie holds up the book. I told him he was much cuter in person.

Comedian Bobby Ramsen tells the crowd he had to change his original name in order to get work, which was Helen Hayes.

Bobby Ramsen

former Uncle Floyd cast member Artie Delmar clicks away

The Old Philosopher Eddie Lawrence ("What'sa Matter Bunky?")

The Old Philosopher, still as brilliant as ever

Larry Storch imitating Buddy Hackett: "Buddy calls me at 3 AM... 'Hey Storch, You Can't Sleep Either?' ".

Larry Storch delighting the crowd with an orgasm joke.

I thank everyone for coming... and dressing so nicely. Stewie and I both went tieless.

" I just hope you people realize, this is the building, right upstairs, where Milton Berle took out only enough to win"

Paying tribute to the late Mickey Freeman (Fielding Zimmerman from "Bilko"), who the book is dedicated to:  "Mickey would corner every fellow Friar and demand they buy the book!"

Suddenly, look who enters the room! The seas part! The crowd goes wild!

Abe makes his way to the podium...

Abe Vigoda takes to the podium.

Abe graciously thanks everyone for the warm welcome

Friedman & Vigoda

I inform Abe that most people don't know that he's Jewish due to that little film he appeared in. 

Before departing, Abe sings a little tune about all his female conquests. I mention they're all in the room. What a Night!!