The Times of Israel

In new memoir, acclaimed ‘Hairspray’ composer tells a showbiz story shaped by Jewish humor

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:28:48 +0000

In 'Never Mind the Happy,' Tony winner and 7-time Oscar nominee Marc Shaiman recounts collaborations with Bette Midler and Rob Reiner, and the musical liberties he took at his bar mitzvah

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How Sid Caesar and a roomful of forgotten Jewish writers transformed television forever

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 14:53:24 +0000

In his new book, 'When Caesar Was King,' author David Margolick chronicles the rise, and fall into obscurity, of the sketch comedian who set the stage for the TV sitcom

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In Riyadh, Dave Chappelle jokes ‘I stand with Israel’ would signal he is being muzzled

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 07:47:38 +0000

Comedian decries censorship in US after Charlie Kirk killing, says he fears returning to America because 'they’re going to do something to me so that I can’t say what I want to say'

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Slapstick Israeli comedy flick offers respite in troubled times

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 06:52:34 +0000

'Saving Shuli San,' sequel to 'Saving Shuli,' starring comedy trio Ma Kashur, becomes 5th most-viewed Israeli film of all time

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It doesn’t go to 11, but die-hard fans of UK’s loudest band may still enjoy ‘Spinal Tap II’

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:49:42 +0000

Now in US theaters, the cult comedy's sequel lacks momentum and relies on cameos to make up for paucity of jokes. Those who love the 40-year-old original will likely see it anyway

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Larry David teams up with the Obamas on US history comedy series

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:16:29 +0000

The 78-year-old creator of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' co-writes, executive produces and stars in the new sketch show produced by the former president and first lady's Higher Ground

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Still upright at 85, John Cleese to bring sit-down comedy to Israel

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:32:16 +0000

Co-creator of Monty Python, 'Fawlty Towers' and other comic hits -- who touted his 2019 appearance as the last chance to see him alive -- to play Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in June

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Jim Abrahams, co-creator of ‘Airplane!’ and ‘The Naked Gun,’ dies at 80

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 17:54:14 +0000

Filmmaker was known for a string of comedy movies made alongside childhood friends David and Jerry Zucker, who he met at synagogue

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Before Midge Maisel, there was Jean Carroll, a real-life trailblazing Jewish comedienne

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 02:25:25 +0000

In her new book, 'First Lady of Laughs,' scholar Grace Kessler Overbeke shines light on the oft-overlooked performer who created 'a totally different model of funny Jewish women'

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This Jewish actor made a ‘reality film’ about his not-quite real campaign for NYC Council

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 18:53:26 +0000

In mockumentary 'Citizen Weiner,' young filmmaker Zack Weiner actually runs for office, campaigning on issues close to his heart - and experiencing the consequences of public life

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No laughing matter? Hezbollah pager explosions become fodder for online jokes

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 22:43:38 +0000

Some Jewish social media users taunt Lebanese terror group after alleged Israeli attacks while others argue that Judaism discourages rejoicing in enemy's downfall

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Americana meets meshuggeneh at a museum exhibit about MAD magazine

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 02:57:41 +0000

'What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of MAD Magazine' runs at the Norman Rockwell Museum through October 27, showcasing the periodical's American satire with Jewish bite

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The Jewish clown of a generation? Watch Zach Zucker aka ‘Jack Tucker’ and decide

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 09:32:52 +0000

On paper, Zucker performing as a cartoonishly dim-witted stand-up comedian should not be funny. But his shows are a comedic assault on the senses, and the buzz is growing

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Comic Michael Rapaport announces first two Israel performances

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:08:34 +0000

Comedian and actor to return to Israel following multiple missions; will perform in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

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Seinfeld commits to the bit as directorial debut tells story of Pop-Tart’s invention

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 08:46:58 +0000

'Unfrosted' is a star-studded Netflix comedy set in the 1960s that tells the story of the breakfast snack the comedian believes has an almost mythical quality

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