Sal Richards' Brooklyn Humor Returns to New York
By TheImproper.com
July 2009
Sal Richards defies classification. He’s a comedian, actor, singer and veteran performer, who has seen and done it all in a 50-year career. He’s been on the “Dean Martin Show,” the old “Merv Griffin Show,” “Law And Order” and is even the subject of an autobiographical movie, “Mr. Laughs … A Look Behind The Curtain.”
The movie, narrated by Vincent D’Onofrio, is about a boy from Brooklyn who had a dream to be in show business. It accurately reflects the tenor of the business; one day you’re on top of the world, and the very next, you can be starting all over again.Richards was born in Brooklyn to a family that would ultimately pour the foundations for his successful career in show business. His father loved to make people laugh and often put on shows to entertain sick children at neighborhood hospitals.
Unfortunately his father died when Sal was only 7, but the seed was planted early, and Sal started at a young age doing shows in grammar school and for the kids in the neighborhood. When he was 18, Sal became the lead singer of a group called the Royal Aires, (“Baby Baby,” “Friendship Ring”) and started singing on street corners.
As luck would have it, the owner of Gallo Records, Lee Clarke happened to walk past while they were performing. He was so impressed he immediately offered them a recording contract.
One night, Sal was scheduled to perform with his group at the Las Vegas Supper Club on Long Island, and the comedian/emcee was unable to perform. Sal filled in for the evening show, and his act went so well he was hired to be the house comic. That day marked the beginning of his remarkable career as a comedian.
Sal graduated to the Catskills, Vegas and eventually moved into movies and television as an actor. He’s appeared in “Rounders,” “Fighting Back” and “Love is All There Is,” among others pictures. He co-starred with Steven Segal in the film “Out for Justice” and just finished a cameo with Harvey Keitel in the soon to be released “My Sexiest Year.”
On television, he’s appeared on “Law and Order Criminal Intent,” “Deadline,” and had a starring role in the sitcom “Bachelor Life.” Richards brings his show to New York City’s Triad theater for two shows later this month and two in August. He spoke with us from his Long Island office.
Improper: I know this could be a loaded question; but, how has the business changed in the last 5 or so years? Are there as many opportunities for a new comic starting out in the business?
Richards: It has changed a lot; the opportunities are not as they used to be. Comedy clubs, Johnny Carson (who would always showcase new people) and, places to work have dwindled. I feel if you are funny then stick with it; something could happen. But be able to deal with the negatives. This goes for young comics and proven funnymen, who can't get Lettermen, Conan etc. because of their age, which I find ridiculous. What does the show have to lose by giving someone a shot, especially if they are funny and work all the time and get great reviews? David is no "youngster", and he is funny, so why not me?
IM: I’ve got to ask, what was being on the “Dean Martin Show” like? Anyone in the business knows that’s a huge accomplishment.
Richards: That was a big thing for me, just to know that they thought I was good enough to be on his show. Acceptance is so important in one's life, no matter what you do.
IM: Vegas, Atlantic City, are there any striking differences, similarities?
Richards: The difference between AC and Vegas is the glitter. Vegas has all the glitter and continues to book the headliners. AC has backed off a lot and is cutting back on entertainment, a big mistake. Years ago, AC was the place to be, entertainment everywhere. They eliminated the favorites that drew the right crowds.
IM: You appeared on an episode of “Law And Order: Criminal Intent” and the show’s Vincent D’Onofrio narrates your autobiographical movie (“Mr. Laughs … A Look Behind The Curtain”). Tell us about your spot on the show and the DVD.
Richards: I auditioned for the role on “Law and Order,” and got the role, I was excited because it is one of my favorite shows, and to do it with Vincent was a big deal for me. His involvement with the movie was made possible by Gregory Principato, the director of the film. He has worked on Criminal Intent for years as a camera man, and is very friendly with Vincent; he showed him the movie and asked him to narrate and he accepted. And he did a wonderful job.IM: Your movie is screening at the Long Island Film Festival (July 17), that must be a great thrill. What have audiences responded to best in the movie?
Richards: The thing that stands out for me in the movie is the fact that it is not just a movie about how funny a person is, it’s about family and what they went through. The movie is being followed by a book I am writing to fill in the gaps that the movie leaves out. And the way Gregory put it together makes it even better.
IM: We screened it here and everyone immediately warmed to your story. It’s so rich and so exciting at the same time. What stands out the most for you in the movie?
Richards: In past festivals the comment we received the most was the sincerity and the mixture of tears and laughter it created. We already won five best awards at various festivals throughout the country.
IM: The comments from Don Rickles, Sid Ceasar, Joy Behar and Jackie Mason are terrific. Tell us a bit about how it all came together.
Richards: The comments from these stars came by asking if they would participate, and, they all agreed. You see, I had made friends with all of them through the years, and I am still in awe of the fact that I can call and be with any of them at any time. I have had dinner over Sid Caesar's home many times. Don Rickles did his spot long before he did his documentary, which was wonderful. And Joy Behar and I have been friends for quite some time.
IM: Greg Principato, who directed it, did a great job. How’d you two hook up?
Richards: Gregory happens to be my cousin. In 1996, he said he wanted to come to AC and shoot my show as a project, and after he looked at the footage he approached me and said we have more than a DVD. We both looked at it together and decided we have a possible documentary here. So he started to follow me with a camera, got the celebrity comments, and 12 years later we were finished. Eighty hours of footage, edited down to a one hour documentary; that’s not easy, but he did it.
IM: Your upcoming shows at The Triad are being greatly anticipated. What will the shows be like?
Richards: At the Triad you can expect a lot of laughs, great music, some new material; it is a great venue and has the intimacy of the old night club days. We are expecting some guest celebrities to be in attendance opening night July 22.
IM: Are there more acting roles in your future?
Richards: I am in preparation to do a pilot with Lanie Kazan, playing her boyfriend. We expect to shoot in August in Los Angeles.
IM: Your PR-man told us about a recent shoot in New York City with “The Sopranos’” Steve Schirripo, who you worked with on his show. Tell us a bit about Steve, who is a great friend to us here.
Richards: Steve and I have been friends for a while as with most of the cast of “The Sopranos.” He is a terrific guy and a good friend. We are doing a show in Detroit Sept 25, called and Evening of Comedy and Interviews with the cast of Sopranos, hosted by Sal Richards, with Steve Schirripa, Michael Imperioli and Tony Sirico. It is at Andiamo Italia Celebrity Showroom, in Warren, MI. It’s always a lot of fun working with these guys. Steve and I did a commercial for the show on Mulberry St. at IL Cotile Restaurant. The owner Stephan was very kind to give us the space to shoot it.
www.theimproper.com/Template_Article.aspx?IssueId=16&ArticleId=3774
