Red Skelton was a comedy great who remains an inspiration to comedians everywhere. Red’s performance at the United Nations event, in the fall of 1960, showed his fantastic wit and comedic timing.
Red walks out in a tuxedo to great applause lasting nearly twenty seconds. He starts by saying, “I sincerely hope that I haven’t said or have done anything to offend anyone. If I did, I really didn’t mean to.”
Red has a large smile and hopes they had as much fun as he did. He says it is fun to try and make people laugh. Red says, “I personally believe that each and every one of us was put here for a purpose; that’s to build and not destroy.”
Red says if anyone has a bad day and remembers one of his jokes that made them chuckle and brings light to their heart, he says, “My purpose has been served for my fellow men.”
Red wishes everyone success and says, “God bless. Goodnight.” He steps back, smiles, and the audience claps as the music plays for him. Then, the credits begin to roll over the black-and-white video.
Red was successful in multiple aspects of show business, including vaudeville, films, nightclubs, radio, and TV, after beginning his career in 1937. On September 30th, 1951, Red started to achieve his TV success with ‘The Red Skelton Show.’
Red’s show lasted two decades, from 1951 to 1971. His beloved comedy and personality are an American treasure. Red dazzled the crowd at the United Nations event like he always did during his career.
