Rodney Dangerfield
Rodney Dangerfield (born November 22, 1921 in Babylon, New York as Jacob Cohen) is an American comedian and actor, known for the line "I don't get no respect!" and his monologues on that theme.
Ironically, he would be rejected when he first attempted to apply for membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organization whose membership votes for the Oscar. He would comment on how then-president of AMPAS, Roddy McDowall, who played in a monkey suit in the Planet of the Apes series of films, felt that Dangerfield wasn't dignified enough to join the organization. AMPAS would later change their decision and grant memership.
Dangerfield has made 70 appearances on the The Tonight Show. As owner of a New York nightclub, he has popularized many young comedians, including Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Carrey, Roseanne Barr, Sam Kinison and Tim Allen. He also helped Robert Klein in his early career. In 2004, Dangerfield released his autobiography, It's Not Easy Bein' Me: A Lifetime of No Respect but Plenty of Sex and Drugs.
On April 8, 2003 Dangerfield underwent had brain surgery to improve blood flow in preparation for heart valve-replacement surgery on August 24, 2004. He has stated the he would like to be cloned by the Raelians.
In September, 2004, it was revealed that he had been in a coma for several weeks. As if then, he was breathing on his own, and showing signs of awareness when visited by friends.
Selected filmography
Recognition
- Grammy Award (1981) for Best Comedy Album - No Respect
- Lifetime Creative Achievement Award (American Comedy Awards) (1994)
- Rodney's famous trademark white shirt and red tie are on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution.
