Comedian Hal Roach has died at age 84 in Florida. The Waterford-born
entertainer was a fixture in Irish American circles and spent 26 years
as comedian in residence at Jurys Cabaret in Dublin where millions of
Irish Americans laughed at his jokes.
His catch phrase was ‘write it down’ and Roach published several books
aimed at the Irish American market which were very popular.
Roach was over 60 years in show business and first came to attention
as a boy soprano.
Upon hearing the news, fellow comedian and good friend Brendan Grace
stated: "Roach was a prime influence throughout my career and has
inspired me and many others to walk in the shadow of his greatness."
The Irish Times printed five of Hal’s funniest jokes;
The teacher said, “Seán, what is a cannibal?” He said, “I don’t know.”
The teacher said, “Well, if you were to eat your mother and father,
what would you be?” He said, “An orphan”.
Murphy found himself very late one night in London in the underground
subway station, at four o’clock in the morning. He walked along to the
escalator. And on the escalator it is written, “Dogs must be carried
on the escalator.”
And he thought, “God, where am I going to find a dog at this hour of
the night?”
A man buys a jigsaw puzzle with eight pieces. Nine months later he has
managed to put it all together and is delighted with himself. He
thinks he has done well because on the box it says “four to six
years”.
The teacher said to this boy, “What’s Gandhi’s first name?” He said,
“Goosey Goosey”.
http://www.irishcentral.com/news/King-of-Blarney-comedian-Hal-Roach-dies-at-84-140847703.html