Sometimes Bill Maher Reminds Me Of Johnny Carson...

[arwalden]

... if you watch his opening monologue closely, some of his hand gestures, and facial expressions are very much Carsonesque. I've even noticed that he paces side-to-side and rocks forward on the balls of his feet when delivering a punch line, very similar to what Carson did.

Is this by chance, or by design?

I'm not complaining... I like it... but sometimes it seems like he's doing a Rich Little impersonation.

-- Allen

[Dookus]

1. actually

I disliked him for years because I always thought he was just doing a Carson imitation. It still bugs me, but I like him better now.

But his monologues are a direct ripoff. He copies every gesture and mannerism.

[arwalden]

2. Maybe I've Changed...

I was never too impressed with him when he was at Comedy Central, or when his show was on ABC.

Did he change or did I? Or do I just like the format of his new HBO show better than the format of Politically Incorrect?

[Dookus]

3. Same here

I never much liked him, and Politically Incorrect was nearly unwatchable - the format just sucked and he was a lousy moderator.

But I DO like Real Time and I've come to like him a lot more than I used to.

[Book Lover]

5. He can swear on HBO

How long was the ABC show? I much prefer RT being an hour long; PI was way too short at 22 minutes.

Personally, I'm not impressed with Bill overall (his books have *sucked*!), but I have to say that his show is the only one I watch that provokes coversation in the room. Heck, if I'm alone, I'll start arguing with the screen :-)

[SPQR]

4. At first glance, I thought you said Johnny CASH

and I thought to myself "Self, that's a bit odd."

I do see what you mean, but the man's no Carson. I've always thought Maher's monologues are his weakest bits. It's odd that "New Rules" is so funny, though.

[Bossy Monkey]

6. Carson was just doing Jack Benny

Standups imitate standups imitate standups. This is normal.

[VOX]

7. I have noticed the same thing, Allen. Even down to the "take" Maher does..

when a joke bombs -- a sort of quick chin-out, head-cock to the side thing.

Several times I've said to my wife, "He's doing Carson!"

I'm almost certain that he carefully studied Carson's mannerisms.

[arwalden]

10. Exactly... Like His Shirt Collar Is Too Tight...

and he's trying to make it a little more comfortable by cocking his head.

The ONLY things he doesn't do is to touch, check, tighten, or fidget with the knot in his necktie... and touch underneath his nose (or touch his upper lip) with an extended forefinger.

One other Carsonesque mannerism that would complete the picture would be for him to occasionally shrug with his arms outstretched downward and his palms facing the audience.

-- Allen

[MikeG]

8. How many wives has Bill Maher had?

[MrSlayer]

9. None as far as I know.

He only likes prostitutes or so the story goes.

[latebloomer]

12. Definitely none

Prides himself on avoiding the institution of marriage.

[dorktv]

11. Bill Maher is doing Carson...that is his idol, and he freely

admits that he ripped off Carson ripping off the previous guy.