Jackie Vernon (March 29, 1924 – November 10, 1987) was an American stand-up comedian, actor and voice artist.
Born Ralph Verrone, Vernon was known for his gentle, low-key delivery and self-deprecating humor. He has been hailed as "The King of Deadpan." He was obviously a major influence on current sardonic stand-up comedians such as Steven Wright and Mitch Hedberg. His signature opening line was, "To look at me now, it's hard to believe I was onc...
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Jackie Vernon (March 29, 1924 – November 10, 1987) was an American stand-up comedian, actor and voice artist.
Born Ralph Verrone, Vernon was known for his gentle, low-key delivery and self-deprecating humor. He has been hailed as "The King of Deadpan." He was obviously a major influence on current sardonic stand-up comedians such as Steven Wright and Mitch Hedberg. His signature opening line was, "To look at me now, it's hard to believe I was once considered a dull guy."
Early on in the 1950s, according to Dick Brooks, Vernon bounced around the country working whatever jobs he could find, mostly in strip joints. Even then he had a unique style, often cracking up members of the band with his inside humor. He decided to give New York a try, and hung around Hanson's Drug Store, a meeting place for small time comedians and acts in the theater section of New York, where we would meet after making the rounds of agents who had their offices in the area. Brooks says, "I saw the original draft...
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