Posted on 06/18/2013 5:19:37 AM PDT by NKP_Vet
In 1957 comedian Red Skelton was on top of the world. His weekly comedy show on CBS was doing well. He had curtailed the drinking which had almost derailed his career. Not too shabby for a man who had started out as a circus and rodeo clown and who was now often called the clown prince of American comedy. He and his wife Georgia had two beautiful kids: Richard and Valentina Maria. Then the worst thing in the world for any parent entered into the lives of Red and Georgia Skelton: Richard was diagnosed with leukemia. Unlike today, a diagnosis of leukemia in a child in 1957 was tantamount to saying that Richard was going to die soon. Red immediately took a leave of absence from his show. CBS was very understanding and a series of guest hosts, including a very young Johnny Carson, filled in for Skelton during the 1957-1958 season.
(Excerpt) Read more at the-american-catholic.com ...
Red Skelton was one of a kind. He could find humor in everything, and he did not need to resort to crude behavior to get laughs from his audience.
This is a nice story and I thank you for posting it. I remember he often mentioned Valentina on his show. I never knew about his son, Richard. Perhaps it was too difficult to speak of Richard. His sorrow must have been great.
Red Skelton was one of a kind. He could find humor in everything, and he did not need to resort to crude behavior to get laughs from his audience.
This is a nice story and I thank you for posting it. I remember he often mentioned Valentina on his show. I never knew about his son, Richard. Perhaps it was too difficult to speak of Richard. His sorrow must have been great.
His short speech about the Pledge of Allegiance should be required listening for each person in this Nation.
Not to mention a real American. Look up Red and the pledge. I wish Mark Levin would play it s
at the beginning of every show.
Amazing story!
A beautiful story.
Here’s another:
The Littlest Suffering Souls III: Brendan Kelly of Great Falls
Thank You Northern Yankee for the ping.Sad but beautiful story.((((Hugs))))
I loved Red Skelton as a kid. This I did not know. Thanks for sharing.
Red Skelton ping for later
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