Please, No "Marcel Marceau Has Died" Jokes

Please, No "Marcel Marceau Has Died" Jokes
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2007-09-23-OBIT_MARCEAU.sff_NYMM104_20070923064103
R.I.P.A.Q.

Yes, he was a mime, and everyone hates mimes - even mimes hate mimes. Self-hate is one of the great motivators in show biz.

But no one hated Marcel Marceau who died yesterday at the age of 84...except maybe for the dog he insisted on taking for walks whenever the wind built up to unwalkable strength. Spitting into the wind? Try peeing into it.

See. That's what I would write if I were one of those obnoxious comedy writers who only goes for the most obvious joke; jokes that are likely to appear any moment at The Onion or on Leno Monday (or on Sunday night at the Comedy and Magic Club).

I'm not.

But if I were...

I would expect mimes around the world to stop working endlessly boring parties for a moment of conversation, shedding a tear that was painted on their face.

That he was at the end of his rope that didn't exist.

That he be buried in the same box he was unable to get out of for years.

And that his last words were:

See. If I did write those easy gags, it would not only show me to be a shameless exploiter of a man's death, but would also send a clear signal that I have no idea what satire is supposed to be.

So, please. If you have a shred of decency, let the man lie in peace...

and quiet.

(Next Column...The Homage...)

Disclaimer: Steve Young is author of "Great Failures of the Extremely Successful" (www.greatfailure.com) and his "All The News That's Fit To Spoof" appears in L.A. Daily News opeds every Sunday

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