We get the worrywart, the hypochondriac, the money-grubbing miser, the intractable negotiator... Some would say certain of these refer to the stereotypical, or 'stage' Jew. But objectively speaking, the only crime in humor is an unfunny joke. Alan King More Quotes by Alan King More Quotes From Alan King Comedy is a reflection. We create nothing. We set no styles, no standards. We're reflections. It's a distorted mirror in the fun house. We watch society. As society behaves, then we have the ability to make fun of it. Alan King mirrors reflection fun Larry David finds a way to make jokes about the Holocaust. It would never have occurred to me. And it was funny. Alan King holocaust jokes way Ed Sullivan brought me to TV first in 1952, then Garry Moore's program gave me a lot of confidence and freedom. Alan King program tvs firsts My brother is the youngest member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons. And I wouldn't let him cut my nails. Alan King cutting brother college It's not easy being a father, but I've been allowed a comeback. Alan King being-a-father comeback father I won't eat in a place that has suits of armor. Alan King suits-of-armor armor suits Modesty is not one of my virtues. Alan King modesty virtue There's nobody to believe in anymore, nobody to trust. Alan King believe I always plan dinner first thing in the morning. That's the only way I can get through the day, having a specific meal to look forward to at night. Alan King food morning night When I get up in the morning, I have to decide what I'm going to have for dinner or I can't get through the day. Alan King dinner get-up morning There's a charm, there's a rhythm, there's a soul to Jewish humor. When I first saw Richard Pryor perform, I told him, 'You're doing a Jewish act.' Alan King saws soul firsts Eating takes a special talent. Some people are much better at it than others. In that way, it is like sex, and as with sex, it's more fun with someone who really likes it. I can't imagine having a lasting friendship with anyone who is not interested in food. Alan King food fun sex Comedy is an amazing calling. Once you get that first laugh, it's hard to turn away. Then, of course, you're hooked and you have to learn how to survive in the business. Alan King calling laughing firsts When I read Dickens for the first time, I thought he was Jewish, because he wrote about oppression and bigotry, all the things that my father talked about. Alan King oppression father firsts And humor has always been a weapon. You want to get even on somebody? You want to attack somebody? Make fun of them. Alan King weapons want fun Everything my mother made had to cook for 80 hours, and when she made matzoh balls she didn't know fluffy. Everything sank. Alan King fluffy balls mother I just never saw my mother in any other room but the kitchen. There were always pots going. Alan King kitchen mother rooms My mother kept the house clean and we ate good. I didn't know we were poor until I started giving interviews. Alan King mother house giving My son says I never tell stories about anyone who's living. Alan King my-son stories son One thing I've never said in my whole life is, 'Let's have dinner at a Japanese restaurant.' Alan King restaurants dinner life-is