Caryn Elaine Johnson unafraid to appear dumb!

by Brian McKim & Traci Skene on October 18th, 2007

We posted last week about a book, Comedy At The Edge, that quoted several big-name comics dumping on several other big-name comics.

An anonymous FOS wrote to us to say that, during a recent episode of The View, Joy Behar mentioned the book– She particularly pointed out that the book said that Robin Williams was called out as a thief. She solicited the opinion of host (and Robin Williams’ pal) Whoopi Goldberg (real name Caryn Elaine Johnson).

Whoopi said (and our FOS is paraphrasing):

All comics steal. It’s a rich tradition.

When this was challenged by the new co-host, Sherri Shepherd, Johnson responded:

There are only so many jokes in the world, so you’re not telling original jokes anyway. If they steal your whole act, then that’s something, but if they steal a joke, that’s fine.

Shepherd, apparently unaware that Johnson should not be challenged all that strenuously in her new position as View host, followed up with, “but what if the joke is something from my experience?”

To which Johnson replied:

How do you know someone else didn’t have that exact same experience?

Indeed! How does one know?! There you have it! Surely you’ve all had similar experiences to Jim Gaffigan! Or Doug Stanhope! Let’s all get cracking and start incorporating their material into our acts!

There you have it! The ol’ There Are Only So Many Jokes In The World Defense! Johnson/Goldberg is channeling ancient Catskills comics obviously. No word on whether Behar (a real comic, last time we looked) was silent during this ridiculous blathering. We’re seeking video on YouTube. No luck so far.

We wonder how much of Johnson/Goldberg’s act was original or how much of a part of comedy’s “rich tradition” she was.

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