David Nezelek
Cibbuano
TyronneJoey Bishop - The end of the Pack
October 22nd 2007 00:05
Joey Bishop Dies
A publicity shot of Joey
One time member of the notorious Rat Pack Joey Bishop died last Wednesday at the age of 89.
Born in the Bronx he was the last surviving member of the group. An often ignored legend of comedy, screen and stage, Bishop will forever be associated with his iconic pals of the rowdy Frank Sinatra “Rat Pack” that consisted of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr and Peter Lawford.
Joey in the pack
Making his name as a stand up comic on TV’s Johnny Carson show, his downtrodden often melancholy persona made him a favourite of the chairman of the board. Balancing out the famous “Summit” shows in the Sands Hotel, while the energy of Sammy, the drunken antics of Deano and the crooning arrogance of Sinatra ruled, he brought a purposefully deadpan tone and also wrote much of the jokes.
Going on stage with Sinatra looking smashed
Improvising much of his material, seldom learning lines his quick wit made him a star. He was noticed by Sinatra when in the middle of a Copacabana show Marilyn Monroe entered to take a seat he quipped “Marilyn, I told you to wait in the truck”, a ballsy move.
Joey shares the loves
His most famous film roles were of course the ones he did with his pals co starring in Oceans 11 and Sergeant’s 3. Less known is his fine “straight” roles in big screen efforts like The Deep Six, The Naked and the Dead and Onionhead, all made in the 1958.
Oceans 11
Dropping out of the limelight by the 1970’s he only did the occasional part later appearing in movies like Delta Force and Betsy’s Wedding. The jug eared comedian will be missed and his superb timing has seldom been seen since.
Here is a fine clip that showcases Joey Bishop's work in film, TV and live. I hope you have one last laugh with him. Q-Why weren't you born a Comanche? A- I guess my mother ran to fast.
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