Jonathan Winters can be described as the father of improv comedy. The former Marine Corps Drill Instructor went on to become a legendary stand up comedian, and actor known for his cast of characters, and his ability to literally go on for hours, creating fresh material.
One of his most popular characters was Maude Frickert, who looked & talked like a sweet little old lady, but had a razor sharp tongue. Here she is roasting his former student, then Governor of California and future US President Ronald Reagan.
One of Winters' trademarks was his ability to improvise. Just give him a prop, and prop, and he'd come up with a dozen or so little skits with it. In this clip, Tonight Show host Jack Paar gives Winters a stick, and Winters runs away with it.
He was also famous for his "1 Man Movies" where he'd act out a ridiculous movie scene playing all the characters. Here he is in an appearance on The Steve Allen Show, complete with 1950s commercials.
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