In this episode, we pay tribute to the late, great Lucille Kallen, a true pioneer in television comedy writing. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Toronto, Lucilleâs first love was piano, but she soon showed her comedy chops writing live sketches at a âborscht beltâ resort in New Yorkâs Pocono Mountains. Based on the strength of her live sketches, she was recruited in 1949 to serve as co-head writer for Sid Caesarâs âAdmiral Broadway Reviewâ (later âYour Show Of Showsâ), the very first nationally televised comedy sketch program. Her fellow head writer was Mel Tolkin, and the writing staff soon included Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Neil Simon, Larry Gelbart, and Woody Allen. After leaving television, Lucille wrote the novel âOutside There, Somewhere!â, which is widely considered the first comic feminist novel. Â
In this episode, Lucilleâs son Paul discusses how she viewed the changing nature of television comedy throughout her life. Paul recalls meeting original Tonight Show host Steve Allen, who bemoaned having been ânumber 2â behind the Sid Caesar show. Lucille would tell Paul about needing to have a strong voice in Sid Caesarâs writers room, where she was the only woman. Paul recalls the time her mother appeared on The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson, her close friendship with Caesar co-star Imogene Coca, her portrayal in Neil Simonâs play âLaughter on the 23rd Floor,â as well as her role as the inspiration for the Sally character on âThe Dick Van Dyke Show,â created by Carl Reiner.Â