Rodney Dangerfield was a great American, leading a classic American life

National Review, Nov 8, 2004

* Rodney Dangerfield was a great American, leading a classic American life. Born Jacob Cohen, he grew up poor, in a broken home. He was desperate for show business, but failed. He settled down to a conventional life--but he tried again, and succeeded, in his 40s. He battled crippling depression, and overcame.

In a youth-mad culture, he became a superstar--not just a star, but a superstar--in his 60s and 70s. Three years ago, at age 79, he gave a concert in Avery Fisher Hall, at Lincoln Center. His act over, he reemerged from the wings to say a final word: "My old man, who was in vaudeville, said, 'You can always count on a New York audience.'" All of America could count on him. R.I.P.