Why’d The Chicken Cross The Road? Because My Dad Died Of Cancer.

Miscellaneous TV

By madeyoulaugh | Tuesday, August 31, 2004 | 12:15 pm | 3 Comments

LCS.JPG

Last night was the season 3 premiere of NBC’s hit LAST COMIC STANDING and a bunch of stuff happened. People were funny and people were unfunny; but the real story of the night was Ralphy May.

One of two things happened last night, A brilliant tactical move to gain voter sympathy, or a touching patriarchal tribute. Either way, requires my two cents.
Jay Mohr announced last night, “Please welcome the very funny RALPHY MAY!!” and the usually jolly May, sauntered out with swollen reddened eyes. The often loud comic, carried a soft tone while he said,

“My fathers name, is Winston May, and uhh..yesterday he died from cancer. And so, tonight I’m gonna do my best to honor him. And I’m gonna tell some of his favorite jokes.”

He then went on to tell two old stock jokes, but completely lost it on stage. He then walked off to great applause.

It could be Ralphy is positioning himself to be the next Andy Kaufman with a performance such as this, or perhaps was trying to gain the sympathy votes Dat Phan got to defeat him season one. One thing was sure, it was very out of place. I felt horribly for him, and I hope it was a bit he was doing. Imagine losing your father to cancer one day, and flying across the country the next to tape a show where you have to do friggen comedy!?

If his father did in fact die the day before, I feel conflicted as to how to feel about the producers letting him still perform. On the one side, this is a comedy show and they should bring some dudes tragedy into my living room and ruin my bong-hit high. Also, it’s irresponsible an exploitive to have this guy breakdown on national TV like this when he should have been with family healing.

On the other hand it could be argued that if Ralphy wanted to do it, how could they say no to a guy who just lost his dad to cancer. And in addition to being a comedy show it is a reality show and it doesn’t get much more real than that.

I just don’t know. What exactly I feel, which makes this a tough post. So I leave it up to you to tell me….

Was it real? And if so, should NBC have allowed him to participate? Reply below.

3 Comments

  1. 1
    Joe Ellen
    Posted August 31, 2004 at 2:15 pm

    I thought it was great. Ralphie came across as such a classy guy giving tribute to his dad + saying “the show must go on.”

  2. 2
    gmohara
    Posted September 1, 2004 at 8:00 pm

    I could see by Ralphy’s face that something was wrong before he ever spoke. I absolutely believe him. He has shown himself to be very honest.

  3. 3
    Eddie Cook
    Posted September 3, 2004 at 11:17 pm

    Ralphie May’s father did in fact die the day before. You can read the text of the obituary at http://www.legacy.com/atlanta/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=2566863 or you can read it below:

    WINSTON MAY Winston May, age 70, died August 29, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer. Winston was born in Delight, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas and was an avid “Razorback” fan. He was a member of the Roswell United Methodist Church and a member of the Shrine Temple in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Winston was in the poultry business since 1956 and absolutley loved his career. He has been General Manager of several plants and held numerous positions in the poultry business. He was Past President of the Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Processors Association, Life Member of the Georgia Poultry Leaders Roundtable. He was Vice- President of Transportation and Industry Relations with Crider, Inc. Winston touched the lives of so many people in his field as mentor and advisor. Winston is survived by his wife, Gayle May; brother and sister-in-law James and Joyce May of Murfreesboro, AR; daughter Carrie Gayle May of Sante Fe, NM; daughters and sons-in-law, Jim and Melanie Adamski of Orlando, FL, Bijan and Camelia Tamijani of Houston, TX; sons and daughters-in-law, Winston May II and Erika of Clarksville, AR, Gary and Louanne Gilley of Edgefield, SC, Ralphie May and fiance’, Lahna Turner of Los Angeles, CA; 11 grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Winston May will be held on Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at 11:00 AM at the Roswell United Methodist Church with Pastor Mike Long officiating. Interment will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404, (423-855-6590 at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Portsbridge Hospice, 4598 Barclay Dr., Dunwoody, GA 30338. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6-8 PM with Masconic Honors provided at 8PM at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors 12050 Crabapple Road Roswell, GA30075 770-645-1414.
    Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 8/31/2004.

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