Sid Caesar has passed away. The all round and well loved entertainer died at his home in Beverly Hills after a short illness. He was aged 91. Caesar worked with some of the best comedy writers in the 50s, including a young Woody Allen.
Allen was not the only young talent who wrote for Caesar’s ground breaking variety shows. Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Neil Simon and more. Caesar’s shows – ‘Caesar’s Hour‘ and ‘Your Show Of Shows‘ – were groundbreaking TV comedies that paved the way for ‘Saturday Night Live‘ and so many others.
Another Allen connection is the title of Bullets Over Broadway. Originally the name of a ‘Caesar’s Hour‘ sketch, Caesar graciously allowed Allen to use it for his 1994 film.
We are of a certain age, and he will always be Coach Calhoun from ‘Grease‘.
Woody Allen has issued a comment, as reported by Showbiz 411:
He was one of the truly great comedians of my time and one of the finest privileges I’ve had in my entire career was that I was able to work for him.
Here’s a famous photo of Brooks, Allen, Mel Tolkin and Caesar together.
Read a full profile and obituary at The Hollywood Reporter.
2 Comments
Definitely one of the old school legends. Every generation benefits from the previous generation. The ripple effect of his comedy has influenced many! Thank you Sid! RIP!
Sid Ceasar was a true legend who brought us many laughs. It was a time of golden years on TV. (Like what Woody Allen wrote.)
Angie Lopac