Immitation is the most sincere form of flattery

[edie]

Hi Richard,
I've heard many say that Richard is the role model for Black comedians. That's true. But, I'm sitting here....a white, middle-aged white chick who loves to write comedy. Who should be my comedic mentor? I choose to learn from the best. That's Rich.
The biggest thing I've learned from Rich is to take my own experiences and make them funny. Richard would have been funny if he were white. He would have been funny if he hadn't done coke. He would have been funny if he hadn't have mixed those cookies and milk. Twenty years later, his shit's still funny and still relevant. Much of that is because Richard always spoke (speaks) the truth. And, hey, if you speak your truth it's harder for someone else to steal your material.
So, for anyone who wants to limit Rich's appeal, I say anyone who's interested in studying comedy should study from the best. Richard is not simply a male Black comedian's role model. He's a role model for anyone interested in comedy. He is to comedy what Elvis was to music.
Next time, I'd like to be funny, but for now, I just wanted to pay homage to a man that I love. Thanks Richard for all the laughs. Love ya, man.
Edie