Joey Bishop, a comedic talent known for his glum stand-up and sad-sack lines, became a favorite in nightclubs throughout the 1950s and 60s with his unique take on the down side of life. Bishop's humor often revolved around themes of poverty and misfortune, laced with a hip twist that endeared him to audiences. One of his memorable lines, "We were very poor when I was a kid. I remember one winter, it snowed and I didn't have a sled. I used to go down hill on my cousin. And you know she wasn't bad," highlights his ability to infuse humor into tales of hardship. Born in the Bronx, Bishop's first break in show business came in 1936 when he won $3 in an amateur contest by imitating famous radio comics Joe Penner and Jimmy Durante. Following this early success, he formed the comedy trio "The Bishop Brothers." Bishop later recounted that the group's name was inspired by a car owner they knew, indicating perhaps his knack for finding humor in the mundane. After serving in World War II, Bishop transitioned to a solo impressionist career, performing impressions of notable figures such as James Cagney, Fred Allen, and Al Jolson. His subtle and ironic approach became his trademark, often using self-deprecating humor and understated delivery. A typical act involved his impression of James Cagney that included the pantomime of "hitching up the pants," followed by the quip, "Five thousand a week and he can't afford a belt." Bishop's career saw significant growth in Chicago during the late 1940s while working alongside singer Tony Martin at the famed Chez Paree. He cultivated a style of soft-spoken humility, aiming to create a friendly bond with his audience by addressing them as "Folks"—a gesture he claimed to have pioneered in nightclubs. The 1950s brought Bishop national recognition through regular appearances on Jack Paar's television show, and this exposure helped him transition his stand-up persona into television sitcoms. Much like Bob Newhart, Bishop's brand of put-upon moroseness won over audiences who were sympathetic to his wounded look and relatable demeanor. His easily identifiable delivery was even used for the character of the ant-chasing aardvark in the "Pink Panther" cartoon series. Bishop's place in Hollywood was further cemented by his inclusion in Frank Sinatra's "Rat Pack." He appeared in several films during the 1960s and even ventured into late-night television, hosting a talk show in 1967. Known for his mild, deadpan style, Bishop's demeanor was perhaps too understated for the late-night format. Interestingly, his show's announcer, Regis Philbin, would go on to become a well-known talk show host in his own right. Returning to nightclubs, Bishop continued to entertain with his conversational comedy, often opening with lines like, "This is a nice family crowd—so many middle-aged men with their daughters!" Despite other comedians like Jackie Vernon and Jackie Mason delving into similar comedic territory, Bishop remained an original voice and continued to perform capably throughout the 1980s and 90s.