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Bill Dana

Comedian/ Writer

About This Interview

Bill Dana was interviewed for nearly three hours in Los Angeles, CA.  Dana talked about growing up in the Depression, his interest in comedy, and his stint as an NBC page. He discussed teaming up for a comedy act with Gene Wood, before joining The Steve Allen Show , where he became head writer. He detailed some of the show's recurring sketches, including "The Question Man" "Man on the Street" and the "Nutley-Hinkley Report." He then chronicled the creation of his famous character, "Jose Jimenez" which began on Allen's show. He described Jimenez’s character's traits, his many appearances, his retirement, the response of the Latino community regarding the character, and the culmination of Jimenez's fame on The Bill Dana Show . He discussed his work as a producer on The Milton Berle Show ; his roles on St. Elsewhere and The Golden Girls ; and his writing of the famous All in the Family episode, "Sammy's Visit" featuring Sammy Davis Jr.  Lastly, he talked about his current work with Emerson College and his creation of the American Comedy Archives.  The interview was conducted by Jeff Abraham on February 10, 2007.

Related To This Video

  • Shows
  • People
  • Topics

Shows

  • All in the Family
  • Ed Sullivan Show, The aka Toast of the Town
  • Garry Moore Show, The
  • Golden Girls, The
  • Martha Raye Show, The
  • Milton Berle Show, The (1966-67, ABC)
  • St. Elsewhere
  • Steve Allen Show, The (1956-1961, NBC)
  • Tonight (The Tonight Show with Steve Allen)

People

  • Don Adams
  • Steve Allen
  • Sammy Davis, Jr.
  • Elvis Presley

Topics

  • Pop Culture
  • TV’s Golden Age (1940s & ‘50s)
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Watch Interview Highlights

  • Bill Dana on his feelings today toward the character that made him famous: "Jose Jimenez"
  • Bill Dana on writing for the voice of Don Adams; the birth of "would you believe" jokes
  • Bill Dana on the birth of his character "Jose Jiminez" on The Steve Allen Show  in 1959
  • Bill Dana on writing the episode "Sammy's Visit" for All in the Family ; starring Sammy Davis, Jr.
  • Bill Dana on his advice to aspiring writers and comedians
  • Bill Dana on breaking in new comedic material, live, on The Garry Moore Show as part of the comedy team "Dana and Wood". 
  • Bill Dana on his recurring role as "Uncle Angelo" on The Golden Girls; the biggest laugh he ever got was on that show

Watch By Chapter

  • Chapter 1
  • Full Chapter One
  • Chapter 2
  • Full Chapter Two
  • Chapter 3
  • Full Chapter Three
  • Chapter 4
  • Full Chapter Four
  • Chapter 5
  • Full Chapter Five
  • Chapter 6
  • Full Chapter Six

Discussed In This Interview

  • shows
  • people
  • topics

shows

    • Clip 1
  • All In The Family
    • Clip 1
    • Clip 2
  • Ed Sullivan Show, The aka Toast of the Town
    • Clip 1
  • Garry Moore Show, The
    • Clip 1
    • Clip 2
  • Golden Girls, The
    • Clip 1
  • Martha Raye Show, The
    • Clip 1
  • Milton Berle Show, The (1966-67, ABC)
    • Clip 1
  • St. Elsewhere
    • Clip 1
  • Steve Allen Show, The (1956-1961, NBC)
    • Clip 1
    • Clip 2
    • Clip 3
    • Clip 4
    • Clip 5
  • Tonight (The Tonight Show with Steve Allen)
    • Clip 1
    • Clip 2
    • Clip 3
    • Clip 4

people

  • Don Adams
  • Steve Allen
  • Sammy Davis, Jr.
  • Elvis Presley

topics

  • Comedy-Variety
  • Comedy-Variety
  • Characters & Catchphrases
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    • Topics
    • Professions
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