Rodney Dangerfield Knocks ‘em Dead on The Ed Sullivan Show (1969)

Rodney performs his classic stand-up on The Ed Sullivan Show on November 23, 1969. He shared the stage that night with The Rolling Stones, Ella Fitzgerald and Robert Klein.

0:59 “My wife just got her license to drive. And I'll tell ya, since my wife is driving, she now has two men in her life. Me, and a body and fender man.”
3:29 “And I'll tell ya, in my apartment, nothing works. I got a radio, I can hardly hear it. I got a television set, I can't make out the picture. But when my wife opens her
mouth, perfect reception.”
5:32 “I tell ya, you know the trouble with me? I appeal to everyone who can do me absolutely no good.”

[Jaydoggy]

Don't let anyone beat you down because you haven't achieved your dreams yet. Two years prior to this taping, Dangerfield was still making his living as a metal worker. He was still doing hell gigs hoping to be discovered. His big break wasn't until he was a last-minute SUBSTITUTE act on Sullivan. He was already in his late 40s. So when you think about putting down that pen, brush, or instrument: don't ever forget why you picked it up int he first place. You only stop being an artist, writer, or performer when you put it down yourself. You ARE an artist. You ARE a creator. You always will be.

[armandocardona]

Rodney was a true original and everything was perfect, the tempo, the voice pitch, the delivery, the mannerisms, plus he really knew how to tailor his jokes to the audience. SORELY MISSED.

[rusticstonetree]

Rodney was an endangered species and one of a kind - never to be duplicated - the funniest of all time.

[robinmcdonald]

Remember him well....always a class act....rip...

[markshaggy]

This man was simply legendary. Such pure, clever, brilliant comedy.
R.I.P to the king 👑 of one liners.

[nunosoares]

RIP Ed Sullivan and Rodney Dangerfield. Long overdue condolences to both families :-(

[wrclb]

He is one of my all time favorite comedians.

[keithjames]

Man. I was a kid when these videos were on TV. Both my parents were alive (now gone), and we laughed all of the time. The 70s and 80s were the best years of my life.

[scottmiller]

Great times 1969, Rodney and Ed Sullivan what a fabulous time this country was and much better than now

[sanjayd]

A legend...RIP Rodney, you’re still just as funny as you were back then....🙏

[lorettalynndavis]

*LOVE love love Rodney Dangerfield! One of THE funniest guys on the Planet!*
R.I.P.

[gwarfiend]

The best part is how every one of his appearances had brand new jokes. Hardly ever a repeat. The true king of comedy

[JayDogTitan-hewo]

Quite simply the greatest comedian that ever lived.

[SPORTSNUTIM]

They don’t make comedians like they used too. Class act Rodney. RIP

[anonygent]

I still remember the line that really got Jay Leno... I can't even drive by the gas station without being reminded that I'm 76 and I've got one orange ball.

[MyPenman]

When I visited Boston, I dropped into Cheers - nobody knew my name!

[motnosniv]

Rodney was always my favorite. He gets lots of respect from me. God bless you.
I took my wife to the beach. People asked me what l used for bait.
So many great jokes.

[spitshinetommy]

Rodney Dangerfield was still developing his iconic act at this point. It would become more polished (and funnier) as time went on.

[DougCameraMan]

He didn't seem to straighten his tie as often as he did in later TV appearances. It became his trademark. He knew what worked. A funny guy ... always made us laugh.

[detamanage]

Rodney, you will always be remembered as one of my favorite Comedians of all time.Rest in peace.