(UPDATE: Seriously…. this has got to be one of the lamest posts I have ever written but still gets the most views =) If you want something of more substance, you may want to check out this one. However, if you are dead set on this little lame post… enjoy!)
For the most part, the people I have known who have grown older, have done so in a graceful way. They become a little more at peace, enjoy the grandkids, get a little frustrated by retirement, and tend to have a peaceful way about them. However, I have noticed that several folks on TV when they grow older, get a little mean.
For example, as a kid, i used to like “The Price is Right”. The games, the energy, and yes, even the models added to the show’s entertainment value. For many years, Bob Barker was the ringmaster of it all and a familiar face in the daytime viewing of many of Americans. Then, as he hit midlife crisis, the beautiful models starting filing suits against him for sexual harassment. Little old Bob? What? Then it seemed to die down a little and he even redeemed himself a little with a great appearance in Happy Gilmore.
However, the last several years he was on the show, I could barely watch it. He was just plain mean. He would ride people for taking too long. He would put up his arms when people came running up on stage like they were going to hurt him. His patienece and sense of humor was shot. It was as entertinaing as watching a puppy getting kicked (whick I don’t enjoy).
You may think I’m crazy on this point but watching it now with Drew Carey, you can see the fun is back.
Now, I won’t make a case on this on just one person so let me bring up another. I have heard David Letterman talk about Regis Philbin as one of the top entertainment showmen of our time. Really? Maybe I just got on the boat too late but I can’t stand watching him on his show. Have you tried recently? He makes all kinds of mistakes and then acts ticked at everyone else for it happening. Kelly (who I’m not a big fan of for other reasons) seems to be there more to take care of him and cover his blunders than as a co-host. Try watching her when he is there versus when he is off for the day. She is much more natural when she has another co-host working with her.
OK, maybe I’m just babbling about these two guys and I’m being a little tongue in cheek here. At the same time, give me Johnny Carson any day. To be able to make an exit in grace and leave a legacy. I’ll take that. I’ll leave the grouchy for the game show hosts.
