RONALD L. SMITH is arguably AMERICA'S AUTHORITY ON COMEDY. (Go ahead, argue about it. But see if what's written below convinces you.) Smith's written 18 books, most of them about comedy or comedians. Many are now the source authority in libraries around the world.
He's the author of the enduring biography "Cosby," and such valuable resources as the pioneering "Who's Who in Comedy," "Stars of Stand-Up" and "Goldmine Comedy Record Price Guide."
Ronald L. Smith's comic threnody also includes the following notes...
COMEDY PERFORMER Just for laughs, Smith produced and DJ'd "The 24 Hour Comedy Marathon" over WSCR radio, manning the controls from 10am-10am and playing nothing by comedy records from his 3,000+ collection.
As "America's Meat and Vegetable Poet," Smith has read his comic food poetry on radio and television, including shows hosted by Joey Adams and Joe Franklin. (Samples are on this website. Bring your Tums.)
An announcer and voice-over personality, Smith can imitate over 50 voices. He did spots for Oxford Pickles and the "Dodge Showcase Comedy Hotline," a national phone service reporting each week's comedy events and best jokes.
COMEDY MAGAZINE EDITOR
A quarter of a million copies were distributed in comedy clubs across the nation each month. RAVE not only covered the rising "comedy club scene," but was a key part of its growth, which included participation in the creation of ABC-TV's annual "Comedy Awards" show.
On the premiere telecast, George Carlin announced, "What the Wall Street Journal is to stockbrokers, RAVE is to comedy."
PHOTOGRAPHER
Smith's photographs of comedians have appeared in TV Guide, Us, People, Penthouse, Entertainment Tonight, The Today Show, etc.
Among the many comedians who have been photographed by Ron: Woody Allen, Steve Allen, Bill Dana, Lucille Ball, Red Buttons, Henny Youngman, Rita Rudner, Joan Rivers and Richard Lewis.
COMEDY AUTHORITY
Now we're back to the premise of this page. That Ronald L. Smith is America's Foremost Comedy Authority...how amphisbaenic!
Well, if the above hasn't changed your mind, this paragraph won't either.
Smith has been quoted as a comedy authority in everything from the New York Daily News to U.S.A. Today. He has appeared on many radio and TV shows, including Bill O'Reilly's interview show and a Showtime special on American comedy directed by Norman Jewison.
TOP 10 DUBIOUS MOMENTS IN RON'S COMEDY CAREER 10. Sharing a steam with Rodney Dangerfield.
9. Coaching his friend Brother Theodore for a "Late Night" appearance by imitating David Letterman.
8. Getting "belled" on Steve Allen's radio show
7. Complaining to David Letterman about the time Dave cost Ron's girlfriend $10,000. (She was the contestant and he the celebrity guest for a round of "Pyramid.")
6. Using a cat to drive Emo Philips away from his house
5. Photographing David Letterman and Merrill Markoe for PEOPLE.
4. Hiring Jerry Seinfeld for an ADL charity banquet. (His opening line: "Hello, Jews!")
3. Being accused by Judy Tenuta of fathering her red-haired baby doll
2. Having over 50 stars autograph their entries in a copy of his book, "Stars of Stand- Up" (including Woody Allen, Steve Allen, George Burns, Bill Dana, Phyllis Diller,
Nichols and May, Reiner and Brooks, Anna Russell, Mark Russell, Nipsey Russell, The Smothers Brothers, Philosopher Eddie Lawrence and Professor Irwin Corey.
1. Hosting a comedy radio show for 24 hours in a row.
Go to
THE MAIN PAGE
Go to
THE COMEDY MUSEUM
Go to
THE STOOGE FAN'S I.Q. TEST
Go to
THE BOOKS OF RONALD L. SMITH
Go to
DEAD COMEDIANS OF NEW YORK
Go to
FOOD POEMS
Go to
HALL OF AUTOGRAPHS
Go to
A Look at My Ol' Magazine, RAVE
Go to
TRIBUTE to OFFICER JOE BOLTON