Jonathan Winters at EG 2007

Jonathan spoke at the EG Conference at the Getty Center in Los Angeles, 4 December 2007. A poignant, bittersweet, funny reflection on his life.

[@CissyBrazil]

If you ever have followed, this man’s career, you be able to hear all the comedic things he does, and says. He was a wonderful man, a true comedic genius. Rest in peace, Jonathan Winters. You have millions of fans. God bless you.

[@billy3424]

Red Skelton, Jonathan Winters, abd Robin Williams , The top three best of improv comedy.

[@pyotty]

To say that Jonathan Winters was "one of a kind" falls so terribly short of how truly unique he was. I remember as a kid I would watch him and try to emulate him, his comedy was pure genius. Who could ever forget Maude Frickert, Elwood P. Suggins, or Chester Honeyhugger , these zany and wonderful characters all created by him. He was unlike many comedians who relied on filthy and crude language to get a laugh, Jonathan could have been watched by all ages, and everyone who saw him laughed and he did it without profanity. I sure miss him and his comedy, bit I will always remember him as the man who made me laugh and the man I tried to emulate, and the sense of humor I developed because of him. Thank you Jonathan, you were the best.

[@tonyachapman9255]

My husband is bipolar,and he watches this great humanbeing and helps his mood very much,thank you Mr Winters, RIP

[@tomtalker2000]

An absolute ICONIC LEGEND is Mr. Jonathan Winters. Between him and Robin Williams i don't think comedy will EVER see 2 performers that good again. God bless them both.

[@bradlane3662]

This wonderful man is my all time favorite comedian! And a war hero who had obviously been mentally abused and unappreciated by his family! That breaks my heart! He will live forever as one of the great people of the greatest generation!❤️

[@gregjohnson8105]

Mister Winters gave the wonderful memory of seeing my father laughing! Which made me very happy. What joy he brought to everyone. The old and the young. With his presents we were blessed and troubles were forgotten .

[@rrbaggett7]

What a beautiful soul. I am awed by the resilience of the human spirit. Bitterness & anger are tempting & offer their own perverse sort of comfort & yet, tremendous anguish & fear, many resist it. These remarkable souls somehow retain their humanity & hope. Mr. Winters was a remarkable man indeed.

[@user-ed3rv6ie9w]

Johnathan winter. Was. A. Good. Man. Comedian. And so. Was john carson.to. And. Robin Williams. To

[@cliffordbowman6777]

I’ve been a fan( very jealous) fan of him all my life that’s as far as I can remember. RIP

[@bluecollarguy67]

How honestly heartbreaking it is to sit back and listen to him recall his early years with his parents and family members who, to put it very bluntly, really didn't give a shit about him. How people can be so damned cruel to their own children will never make sense to me.

[@solarnaut]

if they could pass that on to him, you might wonder what was passed into them . . . including perhaps their own mental illness challenges … JW does appear to be an example of a positive role model, taking the slings and arrows of life and making lemonade with a keenness for leaving us with a smile in his wake. Would that it were that more of us would be so wired.

[@garyhiggins1931]

People are in desperate need of comedy like this man. He makes life bearable at times.

[@jimjackson4111]

,,,,Yes.

[@topfeedcoco]

2024 now, thank God we can find it somewhere.

[@ArnoldStafford]

Yea that comedy was the best of America we sure need this in 2024

[@wildedaveable]

I never tire of his wit, always has me in tears. Thank You From The Bottom of My Heart Mr. Winters.

[@alphabeets]

Winters is a genius. No question. A legend.

[@luciusvorenus9445]

He had such a rough childhood, when he met his wife it had to be such an amazing experience for him. Fair Winds and Following Seas, CPL Jonathan Winters, USMC. Thanks for all the laughs!

[@christerry5259]

Jonathan was a WW2 Marine. Semper FI. RIP SIR.

[@grateful277]

Thank you Mr Winters, you just made my day, leaving the house smiling

[@ronnyclampitt6036]

That was one of the most inspirational things I've ever heard. For real.

[@paulbrewer2374]

The most creative improvisational comedian of all time. He was peerless.

[@hooftikster]

only recently discovered this genius, but you are correct. without peer.

[@RachelSitea-mn2qk]

Yes! No one could top his genius for improvisation- he was the master in unpredictable tangents, deep insights, cutting truths, & gentle pranking.🥰

[@dgdl1954]

Love him. Always have. Carson shows were hilarious! Bless him! 🙏🏻

[@hallauthor]

No word is overused as much as "genius," but this man was the very definition. When I was 10, a friend and I memorized his album "Jonathan Winters Wings It" and quote it every day in some form or another. There is no way to describe the joy he brought me, and still brings me. I only hope he had even a portion of the happiness he brought the rest of us.

[@tommas2674]

the best have long since past. God could have quit decades ago and just let them go on and on...

[@robertwilkins8357]

He was our precious gem. Im glad I was born 1941 to our precious great people may they all rest in heaven with God!

[@perryholloway540]

I'm 69 years old, my dad's past now but, we would sit and watch Jonathan Winters and laugh ourselves to death. Can you imagine him and Johnny Carson in heaven together, I can.

[@jenhall5232]

I never heard these things as he was growing from boy to a man. I guess GOD opened people's hearts to really love Jonathan Winters. His manner & HIS Brillant performances were clean comedy. Comedians modern day need to use this man as their guide.

[@j.w.3345]

Or maybe it was just him.

[@ShawnaGraham50]

My favorite comedian. I use to watch him all the time when I was a kid. He makes me laugh so much!

[@joeperronejr659]

As a teenager, I memorized every one of his routines from his first comedy album. If ever I’m feeling down, I just jump on KZbin and watch some old Jonathan winters videos. I’ve never felt such a sense of loss as when the world lost Johnny. He was without a doubt the BEST ever. Thank God for KZbin.

[@shyldaalvarez-odell7143]

Jonathan Winters was one of my childhood heroes. He could make me release a great belly laugh that would escape and explode from my inner core, which I rarely experienced. I also had a problem with tears. But he could make me emit both. I read he had his troubles; not surprising. In order to plunge those depths, you would have had to visit them. In any case, he was so truly gifted that he brought me great, great joy. I am grateful to him and to all he inspired (for example, Robin Williams).

[@sarahcrowe9730]

He was the most lovable comedian ever! My other all time favorites Phil Hartman and. Robin Williams. They knew how to make us laugh!!

[@LongWalkHome141]

What a WONDERFUL man ..... the world misses you Jonathan

[@baxter5431]

All the truly greats are now gone, sadly. Johnathan Winters was one of the greatest. He was able to overcome his horrible childhood & make something really positive for himself & all of us that will last forever. Thank you Mr. Winters!

[@nystrom2000]

You are right these are the likes I think we will never see again in our life times.

[@waltonwayaugusta]

HE WILL ALLWAYS BE MISSED AS A CLEAN COMIC

[@ronb8052]

I worked at KNBC in Burbank in the 70's.....as a page making $95 a week, I once ran into him in the hallway...he spent 20 minutes talking to me...a lowly page.....what a guy.

[@billjenkins687]

+Ron B... I went to his home to work on his security system in the early 80"s and he spent several minutes talking to me as well, until his wife cut it short. I have a signed glossy that I cherish.

[@zyxquark]

+Ron B wow, thanks for sharing that. very impressive.

[@petergange8460]

Ron B q

[@michaelbliesener9883]

He was one of those rare individuals who realize that people are people, what they 'do' notwithstanding.

[@jonathonharbeck7287]

Hey man dont look down on yourself for being a page we need them for books!

[@LenHummelChannel]

Jonathan Winters was one of the bravest & funniest men that ever lived. everyone who knew him, loved him. and when he was really "on his game" he was completely hysterical.

[@scottyancer6781]

I grew up watching Johnathon Winters in the 1960s and the 70s and beyound. This was a great video realy enjoyed watching took me back ln a better time.

[@jmwSeattle]

Touching, personal and very funny at times - he really cracked me up. Both a great recollection of life and a performance. I hope he was a believer.

[@rcaken]

What a very funny & charming man.He makes me laugh so much.I`d give anything to have his wit & timing & his memory.Thank you ,I enjoyed this very much. Country Ken Gibson. (UK).

[@donniedavis9811]

God, thank you for this man! What a wonderful creation, a wonderful life.

[@kennypapi-chulo9292]

Wonderful stories from a man who gave the world love even though his own family could not !!! R.I.P. sir..I got a big hug for you

[@dennisleecleven3209]

Jonathan Winters was a genius. There will be no one as great as he was and he was a fine man as well.

[@geraldnedarc1488]

Dennis Lee Cleven so true. As a kid at the time living in N.J. around 14 I discovered his 'talent' and when I found out he was in a mental institution it made all the sense to me why he is so funny. To take on human comedy and to truly appreciate it ... You have to be a little Crazy. God bless Jonathan !

[@paulkmetko1358]

He was a great man i will miss him he made me laugh he is Heaven.

[@patbogost3832]

He was one of John Carlson‘s best friends for years. That says a lot about Johnny Carson and Jonathan Winters!

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

The images going through Jonathan's mind as he performs are priceless. He had the gift of making people laugh. Perhaps the greatest gift a person could ever have.

[@Paminlp]

One of the best. So many of today's so called comedians can learn a lot from this amazing man.

[@billeybop]

Very human and humble! Thanks my friend for making me forget.

[@rollandethibault9882]

His story is really touching,even if he's saying it to make people laugh. The reality is ,he was abused by his parents, physically and emotionally abused. He had a very rough and sad childhood. Fortunately,he rose like a Phoenix. He's a real inspiration to us all. I can still feel his pain. He was blessed to meet and marry his soulmate. Quite a life he had. Love Jonathan Winters 🙏❤️🙏

[@kbchaffin53]

I watched his Television Archive Interview with total fascination. He really disliked his parents.

[@lenwenzel7440]

A imaginative agile mind. Jonathan always enthralled me with his wonderful characters and stories.

[@mnw1989]

I wish guys like this would live forever !

[@alphabeets]

This is quite a story. Many sad aspects to his early life. He jokes about it, but you can tell it hurt him bad. God bless him.

[@kaptainkanada4363]

JW teased his wife and kids, but he loved them and devoted himself to them. He provided his kids with the kind of childhood that he deserved but didn't have. His kids loved him in return, so his story has a happy ending; how much better can it get than to have a wife who adores you and two great kids who are grateful for all you did for them AND to have made tens of millions laugh with delight?!

[@kayneja]

Couldn't help but think about Jonathan Winters in the wake of Robin Williams passing. Kindred spirits who proved it when Winters guest starred on "Mork and Mindy."

[@danielryder5808]

Do you think that not only did a majority of people from this generation and before live well into their late 80s and even late 90s but they all remained sharp as a tack until they passed away. Milton Berle, Jonathan Winters and Don Rickles are all testaments to human nature. Amazing performers and if I can even hope to live until 80 with half of my mind left I will be happy with that.

[@youkyouk7471]

So moving , so smart . So Human .

[@JordanRants]

I've binged so many Jonathan Winters videos, such a wonderful human being.

[@gertrudedavis8091]

So have I 😀 and I can’t get enough! What a wonderful comedian, so sharp, not crude or rude, just absolutely hilarious ! Loved the man ❤️

[@eerievibes6854]

Did everyone end up with you snoring?

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Jonathan is a true gem. I remember somebody told me when I was about 27 years old. Whatever you do don't get old. I'm now 70 and I believe I know what they're talking about now. Getting old sure does change us. But the funny thing is the mind still stays Young. I think somebody's playing a joke on us.

[@SiggyMe]

A grand person he is and still has the wit and intelligence that I have come to appreciate. What a wonder self interview! Only I had gotten one of his paintings.

[@thebambino4728]

Truly a ONE OF A KIND ; frankly, the word GENIUS fits him to a tee ! It's a shame people like him don't get to LIVE FOREVER !!

[@CandiceJoergan]

Absolutely

[@thinkingcapon64]

I love ❤️ Jonathan Winters...❤️❤️❤️

[@orchardist1965]

As Jonathon makes reference to being old its obvious in his case this could only apply to the inevitable physical side because his great humorous mind was still in top gear. Very sadly missed. Thank you for posting.

[@thinkingcapon64]

Jon, May you be comforted by the knowledge that you are loved by many...😜♥️😜

[@annetteglavin2019]

Love every bit of him especially with Dean Martin and J Carson. Thank you.

[@michaeljohnfoster2316]

This is brilliant thanks for posting this.Jonathon Winters was absolutely great , I love this bloke.

[@wayupnorth9420]

Semper Fi Cpl Winters. You were a great man.

[@davidschwartz6380]

Semper fi!

[@WalterMunz]

Nice to get to know him better.. lovely man

[@balerjohnson3099]

Such a brilliant guy..Way ahead of his time ,

[@Dreama40]

His wit and timing was unmatched.

[@vincentanguoni8938]

The coolest interview I've ever seen!!

[@fireems6231]

Thank you for posting this--there will never be another like Mr Winters

[@zyxquark]

they have a thing on youtube called "television archive interviews" with people like jonathan winters. they just tell their life story without trying to get laughs. You should go watch his--he had a very tragic childhood. He clearly didn't like his parents. Out of such tragedy came such comedy which is truly amazing. He's missed. A sweet spirit.

[@bigvrocks2480]

@zyxquark - thanks for the heads up...!

[@MultiHairypotter]

Well said and thanks for the heads up.

[@markJaggi]

Good lord his closing statement was a love filled, funny wacky, genius thank you to the crowd. Only he could do it.

[@dogman4100]

I'm 64 years old. I was watching this man when we lived in the trailer park. To this day his sharp quips always crack me up. God Bless You, Jonathan Winters.

[@TheCream14]

my favorite all time comedian. great guy!

[@arthurtrauer5684]

Thanks Jonny. Much love for his family and legacy.

[@NoferTrunions]

One of The Greats. Still sharp @ 82.

[@paulgoeringer9877]

Semper Fi Jonathan !!!! R.I. P.

[@denisdavidbolton3981]

Very Funny Man! One of a Kind!! Nobody around Like him!!!🙏

[@3DMOVIES4YOU]

What a Class and Wonderful act this Man is !

[@kennypapi-chulo9292]

I have all of his record albums. He was a writer too of children's books. Great stuff

[@dennisdivine7448]

Jonathon Winters was a great monologist, from an era when conversation was valued over commercial breaks. He was also a tortured soul from a bad, Depression-era childhood, but he was always blunt about his problems and his shortcomings.

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

What a great entertainer. enjoyed this! glad you were able to catch this.

[@PapillonOne]

Thank you for posting, this was great!

[@SisterPatGoad]

I LOVED THIS VIDEO MOST of ALL !!!!!! HE was a Genius !! I HOPE HE and ROBIN WILLIAMS get to hang out together Now !!!! BOTH ARE MISSED !!!

[@flyingdutchman913]

When they filmed IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD with the greatest comedians of all time, you know who busted all of them up? (and they ALL said so.) This guy.

[@barneymcgoo123]

Jonathon winters, Thanks for everything.

[@farmermike9262]

I've always loved you Johnny now I know why. RIP dear friend.

[@tangiers59]

"What is it?" "What do you want?" "How bout a hug?" "Are you gay?" Lol. Although his home life was sad, he managed to make some jokes out of it. He was tremendously gifted and very funny. A legend.

[@TeleBachHand]

my fav too, I have many of his albums on hand, great stuff, from a very unique personality.....jn

[@fasbc]

Love Jonathan.

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

Only 6 or 7 standing ovations in his entire life. The education system in the U.S. is broken. He should have had hundreds.

[@walterpalmer2749]

American treasure gone -Jonathan Winters. Is that laughter I hear in the heavens ?? We could use some here on Earth.

[@thinkingcapon64]

Love you Johnathan Winters. ❤️😊❤️

[@MrHeem94]

Sometimes life is beautiful.

[@zyxquark]

He was 82 when this was done.

[@thinkingcapon64]

My father said to me, Jeanie, never get old and here I am 88....Damn !!!

[@robharris5467]

Lovely man! Behind his humour there is always that hint of menace. Wonderful!!

[@trethtower]

Wonderful posting! Thanks so much.

[@anniebnannie9945]

Mr. Winter's, what a delight.

[@karenbrandenberger517]

A good woman will encourage her man always and he will encourage her.

[@hairyscotman]

I loved this guy....sweet man!

[@scottmitchell9856]

Class act ...

[@JohnLRice]

Awesome!

[@thinkingcapon64]

Love you Jonathan now and for always ....💞

[@thinkingcapon64]

❤️Johnathan Winters❤️,

[@RichardKoenigsberg]

The greatest.

[@loridianeh]

RIP Jonathan.

[@davidhelling5968]

Wow livin the dream what as joy to Have seen this R.I.P. Mr Winters..