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Dayton's Jonathan Winters, R.I.P.

T

TANKSBACK

Jonathan Winters has passed away. He was truly one of the funniest entertainers to ever walk this planet. He was a Dayton native who hosted a morning show on WING for a short time in 1946 (according to his official web site, jonathanwinters.com). He was fired for "having fun", doing his comedy and personality thing when he was supposed to be doing a very straight-laced show. He also apparently worked at WIZE but I don't have a time frame. I'm old but not THAT old! He went on to fame and fortune on TV and in the movies. We've lost a legend.
 
His mom, Alice Bahman, was a long standing personality on WIZE which might have had something to do with him being there. But WIZE and WING were owned by the same company so her influence probably got him both jobs. That and his father's family connections to Winters National Bank. After that he went to Columbus and WBNS channel ten. Then to New York where he was "discovered" by Jack Paar. That launched his TV career and he was a favorite of many major stars like Dean Martin. So despite his quirks he was in demand and audiences certainly enjoyed his antics.

He was also a favorite of Robin Williams who modeled his own improvisational madcap comedy after Winters. When they were together in Mork and Mindy it had to be a director's nightmare. Probably the outtakes would be fascinating though, unless they just went on with whatever happened.
 
What is also great is that Jonathan Winters never forgot to mention his days in Dayton & Springfield. He also remained a Cincinnati Reds fan as well.
 
Would love to hear any airchecks of Jonathan Winters from both WIZE and WING if such exists (maybe from the family's collection of E.T.s or reel to reel tape)?

I remember him in the mid 60s hosting a number of specials for NBC during the Andy Williams Show time slot...roughly about four a year from him.
 
"It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" from 1963 is an absolute classic, and I always enjoyed Winters in that film the most. I discovered it on TV as a kid, and to this day is still one of my favorite comedies of all time. When he destroys that gas station chasing Phil Silvers has to be one of the greatest comedy scenes ever filmed. RIP.
 
alans613 said:
"It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" from 1963 is an absolute classic, and I always enjoyed Winters in that film the most. I discovered it on TV as a kid, and to this day is still one of my favorite comedies of all time. When he destroys that gas station chasing Phil Silvers has to be one of the greatest comedy scenes ever filmed. RIP.
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100% agree. I saw it with a couple of friends when it was first released. A fantastic movie and cast, and Jonathan was superb. The gas station scene, truly one of the best ever filmed.

I would have loved to be on the set during the filming.

RIP Maude.
 
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