May 9th

If you ever get a call from my dear friend Lee Hale, the producer, director and writer of the Dean Martin series/roasts and currently the Professional Dancer's Society boss, take the call. He called me about doing something with Phase 3 and Alex, (the boss) and his crew could not have been more professional. They were filming all of the celebrities who were on the Dean Martin Roasts. We did interviews and they asked me to be involved since I was on some of the roasts and I also did Dean's series. It couldn't have been more historical or hysterical. We did it in two hours. They picked me up, started filming when I came out my front door, filmed in the car on the way to the studio, to the penthouse offices of Phase 3. I rambled on and on and on and they laughed. So wonderful reminiscing about working with great stars. They're going to make a collection, like Carol Burnett did with her series, on DVDs and put them on the air and sell them. It's been so flattering to work with these professionals. They're hard to find nowadays. It seems everyone's in two businesses - theirs and show business.

I just can't thank Alex, the boss of Phase 3, enough. We're going to get together soon and work on something else. I'll keep you posted.

My new 350 Lexus lease is up and I'm going to get an even better one. I'll keep you posted.

I'm still waiting to see the new edit of my documentary of my work. Should be finished soon. Ask me when we started filming! Answer: More than a year and a half ago! Wouldn't you think it would be done and out there by now? As a bunch of my friends have theirs out there...? It's just frustrating, because all I hear is "it takes time..." It seems they're absolutely right, but I'll take care of that. In my age I think I'm losing patience, as anybody would.

The filming with Johnny Knoxville was tremendous fun. Thank you Johnny!

Many more surprises coming soon! 

Trying to take care of my health. Eyes, ears, nose, throat and knees! I'll keep you posted.

I have a few offers to do a few things. I'll keep you posted on that.

It's flattering after all this time , but we're still at it AND busy!

Debbie Reynolds' new book just came out! People ask me if I've read it and I say "Read it? I lived it with her!" Because we lived together day and night. She has worked her head off, plugging the book on every tv show in the country. I think it's selling very well.

I think I'M going to write a book. It seems to be the latest fashion... Then I can show and tell, because sometimes people leave things out... I won't. I'll keep you posted when I write it. It'll be fun! I think I'll call it "Rrrripped Open!!! Whattya think? Oops there goes the phone. Talk to you later everybody!

April 23rd

I just got a call from my old friend who was with the Dean Martin show for many years and also in charge of the entertainment for the Dancers Society of America show every year. His name is Lee Hale. He just called to say he's doing interviews to help revive interest and more in refurbishing the Dean Martin comedy shows and roasts with all the stars, which I was on with Dean. It's funny that coincidentally one of my first jobs after Debbie Reynolds discovered me was working for Dean Martin. After working with Debbie, Phyllis Diller saw me and decided to put me on her first television series called The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show. And also the Pruitts of South Hampton. I played the hairdresser. Then Dean Martin saw me and his producer Greg Garrison put me on Dean's comedy series opposite Dom DeLuise and we were both Dean's barbers. And that's when the talk shows and the tv all started. Then the movies and then television and we're still at it.

We've just about finished my documentary for the next film festival. I'll keep you posted.

Once again, we're still at it, better than ever, more fun than ever and y'know what? Since books are so popular I think I'LL write one. You never know. Keep you posted about the documentary.

April 18th

WOW WOW WOW! My phone just rang at the front door of my condiminium here in Hollywood, California. I answered the phone and a voice with a french accent said to me (magine this with a french accent) "Mr Taylor, my friends and I have come all the way from Paris, France. We've been big fans of yours for many years and we have a gift of French Champagne for you." Needless to say, I thought it was a joke. Then they called back and repeated what they had said. I looked over my balcony and said "Hello" and they were waving a French champagne bottle and photos of me which they'd just purchased at a souvenier shop on Hollywood Blvd. They had bought 12 pictures of me and asked me to please come out and sign them, as my #1 fans in Paris, France. I went downstairs to the front door. They were sincere, authentic and legitimate. These were well-dressed, polite young men and seemed very excited to meet Rip Taylor. I said to them "So am I!" They handed me the French Champagne as they laughed. I had my assistent Robbie come down and take pictures individually of all the guys and I, and I gave them each a white chocolate moustache. My friend Frank Sheftel, who owns the Hollywood Candy Factory manufactures for me (PS - you should try them. They're delicous white chocolate!). I did five minutes of jokes and they couldn't have been more polite or excited. As I'm finishing this post, I'm pouring the champagne. Thank you boys and Viva La France! The only French I can speak is "Quell Fromage!!" Which means "What Cheese!!" Oo-lala Merci Beau Ceaup! (Burp!)

Dear friends, in a theater review of Nathan Lane's new play called The Nance, the first paragraph mentions me. I'm very flattered. Thank you Jesse Green, the reviewer who wrote it. Word around all over is that this is a great great part for Nathan Lane. Read the review. In the last sentence of the review, it says the last sentence says "This review previously read "Rip Torn throwing confetti" when it should have read "Rip Taylor throwing confetti." That's actually in the review. It's hysterical! Thank you to Jesse Greene.

Good luck to my friend Christine Pedi, now playing Mama Morton in CHICAGO in NYC. Absolutely wonderful
Good luck, Christine!

April 12th

Today I got a phone call that my dear friend Jonathan Winters passed away at the age of 87. The last time I saw him, which was at a restaurant in L.A., he walked up to a jukebox. We were sitting nearby, watching. He said to the jukebox "What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?" Genius Genius Genius! And like Carol Burnett, I too have an oil painting on my wall by Jonathan Winters.

Night before last I went to the theater to see the "End of the Rainbow", a show about my dear friend Judy Garland who I worked with years ago on a small tour of four cities. The show was phenomenal at the Ahmanson Theatre here in L.A. The cast were brilliant and the star... unbelievable! Magnificent job doing Judy. Her name is Tracie Bennett. I'm going to go back to see it again. I went with my dear friend Frank Sheftel and Tai Babilonia, the brilliant ice skater. Looking forward to her new book!

I'll give you updates on my documentary next issue! It took long enough, didn't it? We're close to the finish line... they tell me. I'll let you when I know.

I thank Johnny Knoxville for doing the interview.

Debbie's busy on her book tour.

Lots more to come next issue!

April 6th

This damn show business that I'm in... Last week I was in the Globe, this week I'm a Lego! Thank you to Justin Davis.

The DVD of my documentary is being completed. We did a Johnny Knoxville interview already, and this week it will be Debbie Reynolds, my closest friend on earth. Don't miss her book - it's phenomenal! We may also be interviewing Kathy Griffin - hopefully, and other names/semi-names... Hell, I'll go to your house!

PS: Over the weekend, I understand that the David Galligan show at the theater with all the singers was phenomenal, but of course, I would not have expected less. Congratulations David!

Onward and upward! I'm on my way to clean my star on Hollywood Boulevard, on my hands and knees like I do every weekend. If you want to find it, it's in front of the ugliest wig shop on Hollywood Boulevard. That was the Chamber of Commerce's sense of humor and I love it!

Film at 11!

April 5th

URGENT URGENT URGENT!

Nothing is Impossible!

The word itself says...

I'M POSSIBLE!

Remember, I said it first. Tell your friends!

March 21

I was on the set today at Sunset Gower Studios, of a brand new television pilot called "Girl Meets World." I think that's the title they're using now. I walked past the set and someone right away said "Oh, Mr. Torn, I've admired your work for many years. You're so funny!"...

Now, between you and I and the lamppost - and I can't prove this - but it was the casting director who said that! You all know how shy as I am... I screamed out "Rip Torn!??! NO NO NO. It's Rip TAYLOR!"
He said "Oh, I'm so sorry. There are so many Rips!" And I said "No, there's only one - The one who has his picture and a blub about him in this week's Globe magazine."

So then he asked if his daughter and I could take a picture with me, because he was so sorry he'd mistaken me for someone who did some strange things later in his career that we've all seen or read about. That is not me at all. And then he apologized profusely and I said "What's my name?" and he said "Rip Taylor, of course." And I said "If you're the casting director, where do I sign?"

I thought those days of people mistaking me for Rip Torn were over. He had that trouble in the news a few months back and we are not similar to one another visually or professionally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's a new television show on TBS starting soon called Who Gets The Last Laugh. I think they're going to call me. I'll have more tomorrow, but until then thank you!

March 17th

March 16th

Sometimes

I surprise

myself.

March 13th

Well Hallelujah they finally elected a Pope~ It was between Father Sircola or Father Cicle. I can't imagine calling them Pope Sircola or Pope Cicle. But I do love the new Pope Francis and I wish him luck!

Now on a more serious note, today my press agent, The Great Harlan Boll, has arranged a photoshoot with me admiring the cover of Globe Magazine, so keep an eye out for it. (edit: LOOK UP!)

 


With recent appearances in JackAss, The Aqua Batsand next in the new comedy movie Arthritis Hotel, the legendary King of Confetti, Rip Taylor, has been introduced to a new generation of fans which is another reason he has a star on Hollywood Boulevard for movies, film and television.
Although most of his new admirers don't realize it, Rip Taylor has dazzled audiences worldwide in a career that has spanned over forty years. A master of comedic timing and a consummate showman, Rip has headlined in Las Vegas, appeared on hundreds of television shows, played the lead in various plays and musicals, and frequently taken a dramatic turn in feature films. It is no exaggeration to say that Rip Taylor has succeeded in every facet of the entertainment industry.
The phenomenon that is Rip Taylor began when Ed Sullivan could not remember the young comedian's name, he introduced Rip as "The Crying Comedian." Ed Sullivan accidentally stumbled upon Rip's niche, and after that appearance Rip found himself booked solid for months. This taught the young performer the importance of having a memorable hook.
Bright costumes, outrageous props, wacky wigs and colorful confetti soon followed - and Rip Taylor became a pop culture sensation.
Rip is one of television's most recognizable celebrities. A guest star with over 2,000 television appearances under his belt, Rip has brought his wild energy to The Gong Show, Password, The Merv Griffin Show, The Mike Douglas Show,, The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman and to the coveted center square on Hollywood Squares.

For a full credit list, visit the Internet Movie Database

With virtually nothing to cry about, career wise, Rip Taylor, nevertheless sobs buckets and sheds torrents of tears in his delirious comedy act. He is known as "The Crying Comedian" (a title that led to his bigger than life props, his handkerchief was akin to a small sheet and audiences roar!). He has reinvented the use of confetti. His every appearance is like a Parade (yearly you can see him in the Hollywood Christmas Parade) or New Years Eve! Confetti (in dozens of forms including the more usual paper, sequins, popcorn, sparklers, etc) are his comedic trademark. His appearance on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW (seen by a Las Vegas show producer) led to his first Las Vegas strip appearance with ELEANOR POWELL at the Dunes Hotel. An instantaneous hit, he was held over for an additional four weeks. This progressed to other tours including The Grand Ole Opry and other Las Vegas engagements with headliners like Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Davis Jr., Ann-Margaret, Judy Garland, Mac Davis, and many others. Las Vegas became home and Rip starred in several revues including "Funny Farm", Don Arden's superspectacle "Hello America" and "Follies Bergere". Rip soon became known as The Prince of Pandemonium, The Count of Chaos, and The Maharaja Of Mayhem.. Atlantic City summoned Taylor to headline in his own show, "Rip Roarin" (At Merv Griffin's Resorts International) and returned in "Starstruck" to standing room only audiences. Rip Taylor is one person who is continuously on the move with concerts, night clubs, showroom appearance in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Reno, Tahoe, Honolulu, and hundred's of other entertainment venues around the world, motion pictures, theatre and television. He's made thousands of appearances for charitable causes. On television, Rip was seen in the dual role on Warner Brothers "Brotherly Love" as Rip Taylor and his cousin Hank. He has been seen on "The Naked Truth", "Saturday Night Live", "The Kids in the Hall" and "Martin Short Show". He was Stanley, an angel on the cable series "Down to Earth", starred in his own syndicated series "$1.98 Beauty Contest" and has been aconstant guest on "The Jerry Lewis Telethon" for nearly twenty years. He has entertained millions on all the talk shows including the Rosie O'Donnell Show, Conan O'Brien, Carolyn and Marilyn and Talk Soup. He holds the record for doing the "Tonight Show" in sketches with Jay Leno, and numerous variety shows. Rip is even interactive as Wartle in the Activision CD-Rom, "Zork Grand Inquisitor" Rip's career as a dramatic actor in motion pictures was launched in the box office hit "Indecent Proposal" where he portrayed Demi Moore's boss. Director, Adrian Lyne, saw another side of Rip Taylor. The results led to more roles in one motion picture after another. Director Chris Columbus quickly signed Rip to do Home Alone 2 then Howard Kotch, Jr. signed him to Wayne's World II, both being instant box office hits.His voice is a constant reminder to young and old alike, as Uncle Fester (nominated for an Emmy, 1994) in the animated television series "Addam's Family". He was Captain Kiddie in the animated motion picture "Tom & Jerry" (which he also sang the title song 'I've Done It All" under the direction of Henry Mancini), and he was Genie in Disney's Duck Tales. He has garnered numerous awards and accolades; Comedy Star of the Year (three years in a row), a Star on Hollywood Boulevard (in front of the ugliest toupee shop on Hollywood Blvd) just to name a few It's an endless cycle that has made Rip Taylor synonymous with every facet in the entertainment industry. The secret is he loves what he does... and so do the crowds!

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