Funny People - Milton Berle

Milton Berle

Known in the early days of American television as "Uncle Miltie", Milton Berle was an early American television star. Berle spent almost his entire life in the entertainment business, starting out as a child actor before moving on to Vaudeville. As well as acting, Berle was prominent on radio in the 1930s and 1940s before bringing his vaudeville act to television. The Texaco Star Theatre established Berle as a major American television star when it dominated television ratings during it's run in the late 1940s and early 1950s. 

Berle founded the Friars Club of Beverly Hills in 1947 along with Jimmy Durante, Bing Crosby and others. Berle hosted his own television show in the late 1950s before appearing on various television shows and films including The Bellboy, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and The Muppet Movie.  He was noted for his guidance of many up-and-coming comedians and his stand-up comedy abilities were showcased on the Friars Club Roasts in Beverly Hills and New York and The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast.

Memorable quotes / jokes

The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast (Jackie Gleason) -

(Speaking about Dean Martin) Brilliant this man, what a mind, he thinks Cicely Tyson is an Italian restaurant.

The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast (Redd Foxx) - 

Milton Berle: Ladies and gentleman may I say the Blacks have it made... because they can walk home alone at three o'clock in the morning.
Slappy White: What about the Jews?
Milton Berle: What about the Jews... just remember Slappy you need the Jews. The Blacks got the rhythm, but the Jews own the instrument.