Sunday, February 27, 2011

RIP Kenneth Mars

My Fellow Comedists,

Last week I wrote about Ernest Marsden, a scientist who pulled yeoman's duty and contributed to one of the most important scientific discoveries without receiving the credit. Last week, we lost a comedic version. Kenneth Mars passed away from pancreatic cancer. A comic actor of great range -- Mel Brooks had him as a Nazi and Woody Allen made him a rabbi. He worked for decades in supporting roles, but always wonderfully funny, whether it was the snobby competitor in What's Up, Doc or in his most famous role as Franz Leibkind in The Producers. My favorite Kenneth Mars scene, however, comes from a slightly later Mel Brooks film:

RIP Kenneth Mars and thanks for all the laughs.

Live, love, and laugh,

Irreverend Steve