Remembering “Make Me Laugh”

Although it has faded from public memory for the most part, the syndicated game show “Make Me Laugh” was an enjoyable part of my childhood. It was not on the air for very long. Having made its debut in early 1979, by the spring of 1980 it had vanished. The original version of “Make Me Laugh” premiered in 1958. Revivals in the late ’90s were unsuccessful. For me, it’s the ’70s version that stands out. 

Here’s some background info. Three comedians had the task of making each contestant laugh in 60 seconds. There were three rounds, and if the contestant was able to hold out, they would win $360, quite a bit of money in those days. In the midst of the game, there was a celebrity contestant who played for a member of the audience. If they were able to not laugh at the comedians, the audience member would get a prize, often a washer/dryer combo or something of that nature. This was always my favorite part. Some of the celebrity contestants included Dick Clark, Shirley Hemphill, Bert Convy, Meadowlark Lemon, and John McEnroe. Among the comedians who got their start on “Make Me Laugh” were Gallagher, Garry Shandling, and Franklin Ajaye. They were often funny, other times just plain silly.

For me, the best thing about the show was its host, Bobby Van. A very likable man, with an adorable smile, he was very energetic, warm, and relatable. There was a definite charisma about him. He always seemed to be having a great time, like he was happy to be part of all the fun. During the course “Make Me Laugh”, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite being ill, he continued on with the show. At one point, he wore a wig. By March of 1980, he had become too sick to host the show, so it was canceled. In July of that year, on my Mother’s birthday, Bobby Van passed away at the age of 51.

I was unaware he was sick, so news of his death was terribly shocking. It was very scary, and my brutal introduction to sudden death. This was the first celebrity to die that I really liked, one I felt as if I had a personal connection with. As a nine-year old, I bottled up how I felt on the inside. I was embarrassed for anyone to know how deeply sad I was by his passing. He was, after all, someone I didn’t know personally. That was not a good idea, because as a result, his death haunted me for years. It wasn’t until just last year, on the 30th anniversary of his passing, that I finally came to terms with its effect upon me.

 One way I did that was to watch “Make Me Laugh” all over again for the first time, which I did on YouTube. There are only two clips from the show available, but those two were such of a treat. One of the episodes I remembered vividly. It was like taking a trip in a time machine. The clothes, the music, the hair.. it’s so-ooo much like being a kid in the late ’70s. It was fun to relive that era of my life. It was heartwarming to see Bobby again. I remembered watching the show weeknights. It was a good way to relax after the day. Those comedians would bend over backwards to crack up the contestants. Some of it made me laugh, while the rest made me shake my head in disbelief. From time to time, I watch those clips again. With the large number of views they have, I’m not the only one.

The run of “Make Me Laugh” was brief, but its impact has been long-lasting. It’s like a little gem I keep in a special place.

~ by kmnnz on May 9, 2011.