“I don’t get no respect” is the catchphrase of American comedian Rodney Dangerfield. This he would say as he dug one finger in between his collar and neck, acting as if he was being strangled by his own clothes.
In this video, Dangerfield appeared on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson’ in 1978. Dangerfield performs stand-up at the start of the clip. His jokes are met with eager laughs and applause from the audience.
Dangerfield was known for his self-deprecating humor and one-liners. He’d often build a whole routine to explain how he never has any luck – none with girls, money, or life in general.
After his stand-up routine, Dangerfield joins Johnny at his desk. Instead of dropping his onstage persona, the comedian continues his one-liners and keeps playing his lovable character.
Later in his career, Dangerfield lamented that he was often confused with the character he perfected for the stage. Audiences had difficulty separating the man they hear tell jokes and the real Dangerfield.
In this clip, Dangerfield doesn’t use any curse words or bring in touchy topics, such as politics. Instead, he focuses on his persona’s shortcomings and how he’s never had it easy.
By the end of the clip, Dangerfield tells a joke that he can tell Johnny Carson has heard before. Instead of telling a new joke or making up something else, he just tells Johnny, “Bring the next guy out.” Carson almost falls out of his chair because he’s laughing so hard. He truly enjoyed this visit from Dangerfield.
