The Unknown Comic

“Unknown Fact… The sound of the first sip of coffee is not much different than the sound of an orgasm.”

If you were alive in the 1970s, you were almost certainly a fan of the Unknown Comic. The Unknown Comic, best known for his appearances on Chuck Baris’ “The Gong Show,” took a simple prop, a paper grocery sack, placed it on his head, and never looked back. Who was the Unknown Comic? A hilarious man named Murray Langston witnessed and, more importantly, helped shape the modern world of stand-up comedy in his nearly 70 years.

History

Murray Langston, also known as “The Unknown Comic,” is a Canadian comedian and actor who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s. He’s best known for his appearances on “The Gong Show,” where he performed as “The Unknown Comic” wearing a brown paper bag over his head.

Langston began his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1960s, performing at various comedy clubs and venues across Canada. In the 1970s, he was discovered by the creator of “The Gong Show,” Chuck Barris, and given a show segment. Langston quickly became a fan favorite for his unique act, in which he’d tell jokes while wearing a brown paper bag over his head.

Despite the character’s anonymity, Langston’s comedic timing and delivery made him a standout on the show. He became a regular on “The Gong Show” and appeared on various other television shows and specials throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Later, Langston created Playboy TV’s The Sex and Violence Family Hour, which featured a young Jim Carrey, and The Unknown Comedy Hour. In addition to co-hosting “The NEW Truth or Consequences” and writing screenplays, he also starred in the movies Night Patrol (1984), Up Your Alley (1988), and Wishful Thinking (1997). (1987). The children’s TV series E.M.U-TV (1989) featured him as “Murray, the Technical Director.”

Becoming the Unknown Comic

As “The Unknown Comic,” Langston returned in the film Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002). Inspired by the successful stage show The Vagina Monologues, he wrote, directed, and starred in Dirty Jokes: The Movie and wrote and performed “one man’s response” to the show, titled The Weenie Man-o-logs.

Langston is an accomplished actor, appearing in several films and television shows. He has also written several books and performed on stage on a one-person front. Despite his success, Langston has always kept a low profile and has shied away from the spotlight. He’s said in interviews that he prefers to let his comedy do the talking and that he is content to be known simply as “The Unknown Comic.”

Comedic Style

The Unknown Comic was known for his observational comedy and quick wit, often incorporating physical comedy into his act. He was also known for his ability to improvise and interact with the audience, making his performances interactive and engaging.

In his stand-up acts, he often used self-deprecating humor and would poke fun at himself and his career. His material included observational comedy, one-liners, and jokes about everyday life. He was a master of timing, delivery, and the art of the punchline, making him a highly entertaining and relatable comedian.

His Jokes

Murray’s stand-up comedy delivery as The Unknown Comic is over-the-top — an excellent exaggeration of old-school, one-liner comedians of the past.

It is one of his favorite jokes, as recounted by him; “When Chuck Barris introduced me on my first episode as “The Unknown Comic,” I came running out with the bag on my head. I said, “Hey, Chucky Baby, do you and your wife ever make love in the shower?” He said, “No.” Then I said, “Well, you should. She loves it!”

The Unknown Comic’s Twitter feed, which he now updates daily, features some of the greatest, funniest, and most current one-liner style stand-up comedy stuff you will ever see.