June122006

Before Larry the Cable Guy, There was Dan Whitney.

Incredibly fascinating video found on the site Lafflink of Dan Whitney, a.k.a. Larry the Cable Guy, back before he found his blue collar persona. Looks a lot like many other 80s comics - khakis, sneaks and brightly-colored shirt. And check out the mullet.

I guess you might chalk up the “Larry” persona to the evolution of a comic, although “Larry” probably doesn’t believe in evolution. (But maybe Dan does?) Plus, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him deliver the same joke as “Larry.”

Some might say this gives ammunition for the arguments in David Cross’s letter from late last year, specifically the “blatant and gross marketing and selling of (a) bullshit character to (Larry’s) beloved fans.” I’ve come to the conclusion that most of “Larry’s” fans probably think of “Larry” like they think of wrestlers like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin or “Triple H” - as characters. They know it’s not real, but it’s kinda fun to pretend it is. Of course once they know how unreal… does it matter? Probably not. But “Larry” has been pretty good of keeping Dan a mystery. Until now.

(Dan Whitney video originally found through A Special Thing - best comedy message board eva!)

Posted by Todd Jackson at 05:28 AM | Send to Friend
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Comments

1 Posted by MemphisBelle on 08/11 at 05:52 PM

Vote with your wallet.

If you find “Larry” amusing, buy his crap. If you find “Larry” offensive, don’t buy his crap.

Not brain surgery, folks.

2 Posted by Magghe on 08/14 at 12:00 AM

I love Bill Engvall….I love Jeff Foxworthy…I even like Ron White,but Larry absolutely nauseates me…he isn’t even remotely amusing,his jokes are older than the crust in his goatee,and that fake hillbilly accent is completely ridiculous,and extremely obvious.
The only reason he has the success he does is because of Jeff,Ron and Bill allowing him to sell his schtick act on their very popular and funny show.
But when I get to the part on the DVD where this inane boob speaks,I fast forward…or mute the sound. His ignorance guiles me,and I simply cannot listen to his inane babblings.
He lowers the class and humour of the show….and he simply is not funny. He reminds me of a class clown in the first grade that uses potty jokes to make the other little kids laugh…..it may be funny to a first grader….but then most toilet jokes are…they are funny to little kids and teenaged boys who still crowd into a closet to sniff each others gaseous emissions!

3 Posted by Catherine on 08/14 at 09:05 PM

Lucille Ball wasn’t scatterbrained. Jack Benny wasn’t a tightwad.

Being so concerned that audiences can’t tell the difference is patronizing and elitist.

4 Posted by Dennis on 08/16 at 07:11 PM

Richard Simmons’ character is fake as well. Does that bother anybody? I hope not. People, get off your high horse and get a life. I’m gay and think his humor is funny. The fact that Santa Clause isn’t real hasn’t wrecked my life either. It’s comedy and that’s supposed to entertain and help you forget reality. Lighten up.