Louie Anderson at the Guthrie - 1987

VHS recording over another recording from my old stash. Louie Anderson helped me understand my family, and his latest work on "Baskets" (as my mom) has really been something to see.

[@j.l.spraggins8589]

In 1996, I met Louie at the checkout at Ralph's in Studio City, about 2 AM. I started talking to him by asking him about a book he wrote. I actually read it. We had a great conversation. He checked out before me and thanked me and left. After I checked out, I was on my way to my car and he pulled up by me, handed me a large orange and white rose and thanked me for the kind words, starting the conversation, and the nice discussion, and my support. I hugged him. He was so kind, sincere, and real.

[@dogpd3]

Great story thanks for sharing

[@BarManE.C.]

Thats super cool

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

That is a beautiful story. Makes you think that perhaps Louie was a bit lonely and you brought some much needed sunshine into his life. Thank you for being so kind. P.S. Do you want some sweet potatoes?

[@fredt7820]

The best

[@wendytravis6427]

Awe, I just love him. Remember in Baskets as Christine? He was so good in that role.

[@humanonearth1]

This guy is a genius of writing comedy. I love it. No tricks, no cheap offensive stuff. Just quality observational writing with killer character delivery. He's my fav!

[@opaljk4835]

Comedians play tricks on you?

[@Shabidoo1]

I must have been about 10 when this came out. This routine genuinely helped me deal with my insane alcoholic parents. I felt like I wasn't alone.

[@colinireland3622]

I was a little younger, but I figured it out, lower east side, Phalen Lake,

[@colinireland3622]

But thank you

[@mikegraber6393]

What I always found amazing about him is how you really felt you were looking at his mom, his dad, him as a child, whenever he went into those characters. His facial expressions were golden.

[@lindaclark5911]

Mike Graber are he is alive& kickin it!

[@MJWilde]

I'd forgotten how damn funny and original he was and is. Going to look up more! Love you, Louie!!! 😎💖💋

[@MaryHernandez-lq8kq]

Thank God there was no Botox then....!

[@BradyPostma]

Those impressions evolved into Life With Louie, his cartoon show. I grew up with that.

[@hopemccubbin8661]

Absolutely. Well said.

[@BB_55]

Rest in piece to this absolute legend

[@OikPoinFive]

He died sadly

[@jimjoe9945]

Piece?

[@neonreign2988]

*peace. But yeah, he was an adept story teller and a very funny comedian. I feel like he didn't get as much recognition as he should have in recent years. I never get tired of hearing his stories, even the same ones, they're really relatable, especially to people that grew up in big families.

[@Artsyca]

Came to say the same thing! Louie will live forever through these immortal jokes!

[@KevanleeRice]

Hey lur which parts of bluetidge are your parents same as mine titeron buddy

[@drjohnson98]

Went for the first time to a comedy club in Denver in early 1985 with my soon-to-be wife. Some guy named Louie Anderson comes out and starts up, and had us all cracking up from minute one. Over thirty years later we repeat some of his lines to each other. Completely spoiled us for comedy, we thought you could just walk into random comedy clubs and see great acts at any time, were we wrong. But we saw Louie just as he was taking off.

[@stormphoenix14]

Louie was one of the most underrated funnytellers. No matter how bad things got for us, my family could watch him and laugh hysterically together. Thankyou Louie, for a lifetime of showing the eternal hilarious truths of families and our crazy relationships. Glad you got to shine for a new generation too. It’s a sadder earth now, without you. You did your mom proud.

[@raputathebuta]

My mom & I STILL quote Louie to each other. Especially the bit about the sweet potatoes. 🤣

[@lauram3115]

Well said. My family and I still quote jokes from his stand up. “Your real parents live in a swamp!”

[@22sojourner]

@@lauram3115 Yeah ... until I got a little older, a little wiser, & a little brother (looking at the swamp) see those eyes looking at you (?) that's where your real parents live ... A+ thank you for that.

[@rushfan1970]

So well said, agreed!👏🏼💔✌🏼

[@francescalegrand4520]

I agree. The world needs more Louie Andersons !!

[@gary42011]

Louie Anderson was my moms favorite...he would make her cry with laughter..i watch this often..feels like im watching it with her..she would have loved seeing him im basket's

[@MochaHontas420]

We’re all here for Louie holding onto the laughs. One of the greatest of all times…

[@christopherjones177]

RIP Louie Anderson. God 🙏 bless. One of the funniest comedians I've ever seen. Rest well my friend.

[@grego5284]

Gonna miss ya Louie, you were the best! 🙏

[@Corrie-_-]

He will be missed for sure. I loved him growing up and used to watch his cartoon. You say rest well my friend. Did you know him personally?

[@christopherjones177]

No I didn't,but I felt like I did. 😔

[@Corrie-_-]

@@christopherjones177 ya, I get that ❤️

[@johndoser4691]

Well Said.

[@mega77CHAVEZ]

Had to.come here and say goodbye to one of my favorite Comedians of all time. Very few Comics can pull off a clean performance. He was a legend in my neighborhood in St Paul. RIP Loiue thanks for the laughs

[@kylekullin2520]

He died?

[@mega77CHAVEZ]

@@kylekullin2520 earlier today

[@kylekullin2520]

@@mega77CHAVEZ I had no idea! I loved Life with Louie

[@MyJc1980]

This is comedy gold.. its relatable and no matter the decade it will always be relevant. His facial expressions are fantastic, especially his mums, he can change his whole demeanour when he portrays her.

[@RainsWorldVegasSlots]

Maybe that’s why he could do that woman in”baskets” so well!!!

[@sameppink9401]

@@RainsWorldVegasSlotsI’ve seen interviews where he said his mom was an inspiration for the role.

[@kevmed64]

This is superbly written. Louie couldn't get more relaxed on stage. A true master of his craft.

[@KLW50ish]

35 years later the comedy still holds up fresh as ever! Incredible comedian! Rest In Peace Louie!

[@judyantonetti2186]

I’ve watched this so many times but I had to watch it again today. Louie died today! Thank you for so many laughs. 😭

[@billtracyanderson1372]

Had this on VHS and audio cassette as a teen in the late 80s. I watched it today for the first time in probably 30 years...laughed just as hard.

[@michaelrenfrow6975]

RIP Louie. I remember this stand up from when I was a kid and had to find it. Thinking of you today Louie...

[@crotchetycomics]

Saw Louie do this routine in Hollywood at the Comedy Store on Sunset blvd in the 1980s. He was the funniest comedian I ever saw live.

[@paracyde55]

RIP Louie. This was the first special I ever watched. My mom rented the vhs from the library and she laughed super hard. She still quotes this.

[@machbaby]

He knew us fellow Minnesotans so well. He never forgot where he was from, and we will never forget him.

[@kiskakuznetsova503]

Thank you for uploading this. Like you, he helped me feel less lonely (and ashamed) because he talked about his alcoholic father and the impact it had on his life. His insight on that -- and many other things -- made him very important as a performer. His performance in 'Baskets' was amazing and I was so happy he got the recognition he deserved from that show before he passed away. He gave a lot to the world.

[@rushfan1970]

💔agreed 100%, he helped me, too with his pure story-telling comedic genius! He was so honest & truly was a precious gift, one of a kind💖✌🏼

[@kylejohnson150]

Baskets😂 Pretty much watched it because of him!

[@janetscott550]

His cartoon

[@crouchingturtle6351]

He was truly one of the greats and I don't think he got the recognition he deserved. In the "stand-up 80's" when everyone that got on stage was considered funny, he actually was. He didn't use schtick, impressions, or props the guy was just funny. He could do this whole hour today because it wasn't of that time like everyone else was doing. I haven't kept up with him over the years but I miss that he's not walking among us anymore.

[@kool-aidcorncrap7880]

2020 who's still watching and laughing

[@danieldiangelis6502]

2021 watch

[@danieldiangelis6502]

❤️Louis Anderson

[@drinxs505]

I'll be watching this when I'm an old man

[@subsided.khan1tv53]

1/11/22 and still funny 😂😂

[@crampedstyle]

RIP Louie

[@Heller103085]

RIP LOUIE…..seriously one of my favorite stand up specials, funny guy without all the profanity

[@cindykaye9735]

"without all the profanity"???!!! How do you miss all those cusswords??!! Especially when he acts out his Dad!!

[@morganophelia5963]

i knew it TROLL @@cindykaye9735

[@janelliot5643]

But there's nothing offensive, I think that's the point ​@@cindykaye9735

[@randysavage5272]

RIP Louie, thank you for all the great laughs and being a great rep for us people from Minnesota

[@noelsturrup3817]

"When I was a kid they didn't have children."

[@michaelserby7697]

Noel Sturrup me too

[@gilbertjimenez8878]

Lol

[@beckymerdan5945]

My heart is broken. RIP Louie.

[@morganophelia5963]

He's an amazing clean comic no cussing but super funny that's how you know someone has talent for real .

[@cindykaye9735]

No cussing???!!! You apparently haven't LISTENED to his material!

[@morganophelia5963]

yes i have here he was not cussing 100% pure talent @@cindykaye9735

[@francie1953]

Just saw Louie at the State Theater last Sunday. Had a chance to talk with him for a few minutes. What a pleasure. So sweet of him to take the time cause I know how exhausted he must’ve been. Thanks Louie❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@batkisses]

I saw him perform years ago in Dayton, Ohio and he came out and talked to us after the show. I agree, he is very nice to take the time to do that after a full set.

[@benjiarehart2878]

Louie was up there with John Candy. He was so underrated. Still funnier than most comedians today. Without cussing.

[@iroll]

...was?? He's still alive as of the coronapocalypse.

[@ohtoobefishin6449]

I measure his humor against all comedians regardless of what they look like, and he is a master at his craft, OK, John Candy is big so what

[@gxlorp]

@@iroll the fact you used that unironically...

[@gxlorp]

@@iroll yes was. People can use was to refer to different parts of a comedians career. Genius

[@francescalegrand6257]

Always loved them !

[@spawnnation6050]

First time listening to Louie Anderson was back in 9th grade, on my recommended. RIP Louie. You were the one to get me into watching stand-up comedy.

[@patiencecaso]

me too lol - peace :)

[@gybx4094]

Wow, these 80's comedians. Forgot how great they were. Impeccable timing.

[@miahoffman1964]

Louie Anderson is a one-man sitcom. What a legend

[@DanielValdes]

This will always be the best. I remember going to the comedy store around 2018 after an anxious day and Louie popped in and his hilariousness and warmth brought me so much peace and solace. RIP 💔

[@awnelson22]

So saddened to hear about his death today 😔 He was genuinely funny - no vulgar or cussing! You can watch his skit with your kids…. One of a kind indeed!!!!!

[@DEXWrecksOfficial]

This is one of my favorite comedy sets, RIP Louie, thanks for all the laughs

[@kyolym]

Everyone in the audience would laugh and look at Louis so lovingly he really touched people strongly.

[@BadRonald1]

His facial expressions are the best....

[@WillyNillyandSilly]

100% agree. I've never really watched Louie Anderson stand up, but he sold it early on with his facial work in the piece about breakfast early on in this video. His nonverbal communication on stage the spectacular.

[@nuisanceabatementvehicle160]

Yes they are he was so underrated

[@janetownsend9516]

Gesir FRANK?!! the

[@mikedlc9766]

they are

[@artonline01]

Are you on dope?!

[@MichaelMolash]

Great comedy, killer tie-ins, perfect facial expressions and body language, drawing on personal experience.. Perfect.

[@charlescharpentier9196]

Love those tie-ins!

[@namelessfaceless5748]

Perfectly...abusive

[@charlescharpentier9196]

Wow. After decades I finally watched Louie Anderson live on KZbin. He's just great.

[@PlanetRockJesus]

It took me decades to realize how brilliant this man is.

[@janelliot5643]

Me too. He should have taught some master classes before he passed away, but frankly you probably have to be born with it

[@JB-xh5mc]

Can you say stage presence anyone? Man he's truly a comedic genius.

[@fredt7820]

Funny as hell

[@fredt7820]

Bad to the bone😂

[@93Jubilee]

"Baskets" introduced me to Louie Anderson -- how did I miss him all these years? A brilliant man! To sustain this routine is magnificent!

[@virginiataylor5593]

Glad you found him. Enjoy!

[@mikefranks6854]

That was the best half hour lunch and two breaks I've taken in my working career

[@kaykayfabulous8228]

That's good. 😊 he is great isn't he.

[@kylewright5612]

Mike Franks was that half hour and two breaks logged into an IVIS by chance?

[@juliasouthern7286]

My family loves this even now! We still use the phrases during the holidays and family dinners, lol

[@Gilgabob]

As was at the late show this night. Met Louie many times when I worked at the airport in mpls. He would always stop and chat. Sweetheart of a guy.

[@jim3097]

RIP Louie. Truly one of the greatest stand up comedians! He makes me laugh so much.

[@beckyekg]

I remember watching this when it first came out. Wherever we went in the world (military family), Louie was always a little bit of home we took with us. We loved him! Mind how you go, Louie. You were such a treasure.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

One my favorite comedians, You will be missed Louie

[@DavidHernandez-oc1oz]

My absolute favorite. Just heard of his passing. Will watch this tonight. So many lines from this routine made their way in to my life even to this day..... Loook at thaaaat

[@askiiii4737]

I was just looking to try and see him and now he's gone. What an amazing humble man.

[@JazzyJonas]

I love Louie. He's just adorable!

[@ryurc3033]

Anybody who is trying to do comedy needs to watch the master. The way he works the crowd. The callbacks. The timing. Its all epic. One of the greats.

[@arreckia]

Wow I am a clown story teller maybe I will be more than your private comedian Love you all

[@RamManNo1]

“I didn’t get cable til I was 12” It’s like he could see the future.

[@georgeorwell126]

This special never gets old. Truly funny man!!

[@RainsWorldVegasSlots]

Any sequel yet to 1984😏

[@justjoe942]

One of the few that can make me laugh and cry equally.

[@scottw.8030]

The wife and I used to see him almost every year during the 1990s when he played in Vegas. I love the fact that he uses very little profanity. Find his act where he talks about the FBI agents coming to his house to arrest his brother. Funniest 10 minutes of stand up I've ever heard!

[@mobus1603]

Little? He used any?

[@Cindrbell]

@@mobus1603 go away.

[@mobus1603]

@@Cindrbell: I've never heard him use profanity. This bothers you?

[@nthomas87]

He did an interview with Dennis Miller and it felt so weird hearing him drop f-bombs. I was like, Whoa, wait, Louie has that ability in him? 😂 You can find it here on KZbin.

[@FancyRayeBaker-]

I swear he's talking about my parents. They were EXACTLY like he describes his parents. Too damn funny 🤣🤣

[@dr.timothyfuller8763]

me too my mom and Dad were like this. I am over here in tears and I have listened to this many times

[@HAL-dm1eh]

His mom sounded so precious tho.

[@sidefx996]

"The cranberries!" OMG so many times...

[@BurtsKaraokeFriends]

Rediculous

[@musicgirl8029]

This is our family's most loved comedy routine.

[@alicetiernan8462]

40’s kid His fathers reaction to his mom driving the car that was my old man Relived so much of my childhood Hysterical Louis’s comedy is genius

[@markt9614]

I was at the Guthrie the night this was taped. Hilarious. He's not just setup > punchline, its all the mimicry and facial expressions.

[@Boomtater92]

Was this the guthrie in grove city pa? Can't find any info on the location.

[@bajemo359]

@@Boomtater92 The Guthrie theater in Minneapolis, MN.

[@OikPoinFive]

@@bajemo359 he sadly died

[@jillferry-williams9409]

We watched this years ago and then had Dad and Mom sit and watch it. Too many things hit so close to home! My dad laughed SO hard..and, to this day we still say, “Ohh, there’s sweet potatoes in the oven.” every Thanksgiving. Don’t know HOW many times we say, “You’re ruining the family!” to each other and the kids. Just love this routine. You know a comedian nailed it when you’re still quoting them decades later.

[@uTubeNoITube]

Just found out today he passed. So sad :( "Life With Louie" was definitely an underrated cartoon, remember watching it when I was a teen in the 90s.

[@bishopaz]

That child like face, gets me everytime.

[@procrastinator9]

32 years later and this is completely un-aged. Except for the reference to Red Owl grocery store. How many stand-up acts from the 80s can stand up this long?

[@aaronbrewer1831]

I love red owl

[@jheychode]

Kinison has some timeless bits

[@GeneralZapta213]

Carlin, Pryor, a few others

[@3ddiagnosis654]

Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Robin Harris just to name a few.😁

[@namelessfaceless5748]

Unaged? Nowadays bullying is frowned upon.

[@alanmcneill2407]

He covered at least a dozen scenarios that I lived through, i just about died of laughter when he told about the big brother "looking at me" story...hey Mom...he is looking at me again...and the terrorizing..."hey, do you know what lives in the hay mow of the barn..?" Oh yes, or walking along going home from school..older brother says "don't look now, but there it is in the trees, watching us..."Louie brings our growing up years into focus like no one else ever could. He deserved better billing in the world of comedy. I think he endured many hardships growing up, much because of his size...but he learned to laugh at himself...but he was not without understanding pain...hope he and John Candy are together...what a riot that would be...both giants in every way...but mostly in character. Louie was the best comedy whale...the best. I feel so lucky to have lived in the same time as he, he could make me laugh, even in my worst of times. RIP.

[@rhymeswithsomethingy4766]

RIP Louie 😭 This is 1 of my favorite stand up routines of all time! Totally portrays growing up in the upper midwest in that era😆🤣

[@galiandmagic]

RIP Sweet Louie 🙏❤ The funniest comedian ever!!!! Nobody comes close to his talent. What a loss for humanity. 😔💔

[@charlescharpentier9196]

About his mom: "I've never had an accident." "But you've caused a lot of them!" LOL!

[@missusjoe]

Louie Anderson is one of the very few who make me laugh out loud no matter how many times I hear the same material. There also is such pathos to his stuff you could just cry you laugh with a catch in your throat

[@ThatGuyWithTheRedDakota]

I will never forget "Life With Louie" when I was a kid. This is pure gold. So underrated.

[@kennesaw101]

Rest in peace Louie , you'll be missed.

[@ericmarks7648]

"You know you're getting older when the first thing you do is look for a place to lay down."

[@suzannegiglio2866]

He was a hysterically funny comedian. Rest In Peace Louie.

[@kanealson5200]

Some of the best comedians are storytellers. Louie is one of the best.

[@willlastnameguy8329]

The words timeless and brilliant come to mind.

[@namelessfaceless5748]

@@willlastnameguy8329 the words domestic abuse and bullying come to mind

[@garylong1344]

@@namelessfaceless5748 some of the best story tellers doe ngl

[@pattihawks8514]

Future Selves Past Memories comedy is therapy, as well.

[@joycegeertsma7115]

Check out Bill Hicks do "mom and dad" from the early 80's also Eddie Murphy's "Delirious", "Raw" from the early-mid eighties.. storytelling/observational comedy at it's best.. Richard Pryor.. Also love Louie Anderson; you're right; one of the best

[@ghydemonsynclair3913]

Me and my dad did not get along. Until we bonded over stand-up comediens right around this time. Thank you Louie.

[@jonhohensee3258]

comedians

[@sundevilification]

You were very fortunate.

[@patiencecaso]

Love this dude. RIP Louie! I was a teenager when I first saw this act and fell in love with stand up! And he's from my home state! :)

[@joeymanson2222]

"Theres where that nut Shirley lives. Throw that toaster onto her lawn!" "Not the chord!" Omfg. This takes me back. Louie was a boss!

[@Technosphile]

Just heard the news. So sad. You were loved, Louie. rest easy

[@lorchid23]

I know that finding humor is just so subjective... but I’ve always thought Louie was one of the funniest people on the planet in the mid-late 80’s. I grew up the youngest in a large family, and much of what he says really hits home with me. He’s truly a masterful and hilarious storyteller.

[@theotepeng8392]

Louie was a true master of his craft! Supremely comfortable on stage and his timing was spot on. RIP! You will be missed, Louie.

[@kathydyer5374]

I forgot how funny Louie was, it's been a while since I saw him. He is hilarious😂🤣 I love this!!!

[@danushaforknneer2749]

Love Louie Anderson! Can’t stop laughing. Reminds me of all the experiences with my own family.

[@calvinhobbes5686]

Louie, you’re one of a kind! Funny, sweet - we’re children again when you’re on stage. God bless!

[@hobiwankinobi4750]

He's so funny. I saw him live about a year ago. He's clean and smart, that's why it's the best

[@namelessfaceless5748]

Clean??? Abusive you mean?

[@pattihawks8514]

Future Selves Past Memories he was abused, he’s not abusive.

[@anchorbubba]

@@namelessfaceless5748 cry about it

[@dlevick3]

I’ve been lookin for this for yearssss. I remember watching this with my dad when I was 12.

[@insightandintuition276]

The world is a brighter place for his having been here. Love you Louie! Now he’s surrounded by love all the time, where he belongs 🙏🏻💖🥰🦋

[@hopepeace883]

Thank you Louie! It has been so crazy the last few years and I needed a good laugh!

[@sidefx996]

THE CRANBERRIES! Jesus Christ my mom did that so many times

[@terrib1934]

31 years ago, and I remember this like yesterday. Love Louie!

[@jonhohensee3258]

no you don't

[@DS-kn4bs]

Has it been that long 🤦🏿‍♂️ Man I'm old 😦

[@davelindstrom6005]

@@jonhohensee3258 - Howdaphuq would you know?

[@jack002tuber]

I had most of this memorized. He's the best

[@jeanvignes]

I'm just mesmerized by how skinny everyone was in his audience in 1987. We're doomed.

[@scottthomas4779]

I used to rent this on vhs from the library as a kid and always thought it was hilarious. RIP Louie 🙏

[@goldeneagle2976]

Louie, You gave us the beautiful gift of laughter for the entire family🙏🏽 You’re original, clever lively humor will be forever missed by all those that loved you and related to your stories. RIP and keep amusing them with joyful chuckles in Heaven😇❤️

[@kennyl.TheSilverJewelryGuy]

R.I.P Louie, thank you for the Laughs.

[@jaybrown4526]

"Oh, I think he's on dope, mother..." Bwahaha!!! I remember getting this VHS back when it was first released. I had it memorized within a week. I still knowit by heart to this day!!!

[@willlastnameguy8329]

The best comedy is timeless and this is a great example. This material would kill today.

[@MaryHernandez-lq8kq]

Louie is still doing it!

[@willlastnameguy8329]

@@MaryHernandez-lq8kq Yeah that's true. He should do a special.

[@Rhiaanon]

One of my all time favorite comedians!

[@coreycaldwell322]

“Shirley lives here.” RIP Louie

[@joshl.8950]

Life without Louie :'( Man's so genuine.