How Doug Kenney and National Lampoon Changed Comedy Forever

A Futile and Stupid Gesture: How Doug Kenney and National Lampoon Changed Comedy Forever

by Josh Karp

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5648 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	434 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In the annals of American comedy, few figures have had as profound an impact as Doug Kenney. As the co-founder of National Lampoon, Kenney played a pivotal role in shaping the irreverent and satirical style of humor that would come to define the 1970s and beyond.

Kenney's journey into comedy began at Harvard University, where he met fellow students Henry Beard and Robert Hoffman. Together, they founded the Harvard Lampoon, a satirical publication that quickly gained a reputation for its biting wit and absurd humor.

After graduating from Harvard, Kenney joined forces with Beard and Hoffman to launch National Lampoon in 1970. The magazine was an instant success, appealing to a generation of young people who were looking for an alternative to the mainstream humor of the time.

National Lampoon's success was due in large part to Kenney's unique brand of humor. He had a knack for finding the absurdity in everyday life, and his jokes were often laced with a biting social commentary. Kenney's writing was also known for its irreverence, and he was not afraid to poke fun at sacred cows.

In addition to his work as a writer, Kenney also played a key role in the development of National Lampoon's film and television projects. He co-wrote the screenplay for the classic 1978 film "Animal House," which is considered one of the greatest comedies of all time. Kenney also helped to create the popular television series "Saturday Night Live," which has been on the air for over 40 years.

Kenney's legacy as a comedy writer and producer is immense. He helped to create a new style of humor that was both irreverent and socially relevant. His work has influenced generations of comedians, and his impact on the world of comedy is still felt today.

Key Elements of Kenney's Comedy

There are several key elements that define Doug Kenney's unique brand of comedy.

• Absurdity: Kenney's humor often relied on the absurd, finding the humor in the unexpected and illogical.
• Satire: Kenney used humor to satirize social and political issues, often with a biting wit.
• Irreverence: Kenney was not afraid to poke fun at sacred cows, and his humor often challenged conventional wisdom.
• Character-driven: Kenney's humor was often character-driven, creating memorable and eccentric characters that audiences could relate to.
• Observational: Kenney's humor was often based on his own observations of the world around him, finding the humor in everyday life.

Kenney's Impact on Comedy

Doug Kenney's impact on comedy is undeniable. He helped to create a new style of humor that was both irreverent and socially relevant, and his work has influenced generations of comedians.

Kenney's impact can be seen in the work of countless comedians who have followed in his footsteps. From the irreverent humor of "Saturday Night Live" to the satirical wit of "The Daily Show," Kenney's influence is evident in much of the comedy that we enjoy today.

Kenney's legacy is also evident in the many awards and accolades that he has received. He was a recipient of the Writers Guild of America Award for Comedy Writing, and he was posthumously inducted into the National Comedy Center Hall of Fame.

Doug Kenney was a true pioneer of comedy. His unique brand of humor helped to change the face of comedy in the 1970s and beyond, and his influence is still felt today. Kenney's legacy is a reminder that comedy can be both irreverent and socially relevant, and that it can be a powerful tool for making people laugh and think.

A Futile and Stupid Gesture: How Doug Kenney and National Lampoon Changed Comedy Forever

by Josh Karp

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5648 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	434 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE