Great American Comic Performers, Past and Present Quiz

Answer: W.C. Fields

Fields' movies included "My Little Chickadee", "You Can't Cheat an Honest Man" and "The Bank Dick". In the latter film, his character bore the name Egbert Souse (pronounced Soo-zay). A poverty stricken child hood and the depression caused him to be distrustful of banks and he supposedly opened hundreds of small accounts all over the U.S., under fictitious names such as Larson E. Whipsnade and Mahatma Kane Jeeves.

He also wrote for films using such names in the credits.

Answer: Peter Sellers

Sellers (1925-1980) was, of course, remembered mostly for his wonderful Inspector Clouseau role in four "Pink Panther" movies. Gifted at impersonation and accents, he managed three different roles in the much underrated film, "The Mouse that Roared". He became so identified with his characters that he once said, "There is no me. I am a blank slate".

Answer: Richard Pryor

Pryor, who died in 2005, came from a very abusive childhood and like many comedians turned to humor to help him survive. He has had a great influence on many other comedians. Jerry Seinfeld has referred to him as the 'Picasso of our Profession'.

Answer: George Carlin

Carlin's (1937-2008) later stand up included a good deal of social commentary. "When you are born, you get a ticket to the freak show. When you are born in America, you get a front row seat." He won the 2008 Mark Twain prize for American humor and had numerous books published, including "Brain Droppings" and "Napalm and Silly Putty".

His advice to children? "Never, never believe anything the government tells you."

Answer: Mel Brooks

He was born Melvin Kaminsky in 1926. A sickly child, it was his sense of humor that helped see him through. He wrote for some early television shows before his first movie, "The Producers". Then came "Blazing Saddles", and "Young Frankenstein", among others.

Answer: Jack Benny

Born Benjamin Kubelsky in Waukegan, Ill. He began in vaudeville as a violin playing monologist. Benny could do more with a stare and a pause than anyone. His radio feud with Fred Allen was classic radio. His movies included the much maligned "The Horn Blows at Midnight" and "George Washington Slept Here."

Answer: Don Rickles

Rickles, born in 1926, was discovered by Frank Sinatra, who encouraged other celebrities to go to his nightclub appearances. His spots on the "Dean Martin Roasts" were classic. He is also a dramatic actor, appearing in movies such as "Run Silent, Run Deep".

Answer: Fred Allen

One of Allen's early writers was Herman Wouk. He also appeared as a panelist on "What's My Line", an early TV game show. Allen once said "You can take all of the sincerity in Hollywood, put it in a flea's navel, and have enough room left over for a caraway seed and an agent's heart."

Answer: Red Skelton

Skelton's father, who died when Skelton was very young, had been a circus clown and his makeup for the character Freddy the Free Loader was a copy of his father's clown make up. Skelton's paintings, mostly of clowns and circuses, were and are considered serious art and are quite valuable.

Answer: Woody Allen

Allen is a writer, director, actor and musician. He plays jazz clarinet with his band at various New York venues. His Broadway plays have included "Don't Drink the Water", and "Play it Again, Sam".