Lewis Grizzard
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Lewis Grizzard (October 20, 1946 - March 20, 1994) was a well-known comedian, famous for his Southern demeanor and commentary on the U.S. Southern states. Born in Fort Benning, Georgia, he wrote commentary for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in addition to his work as a comic. During his career, he also published a number of books, including Southern by the Grace of God, I Haven’t Understood Anything since 1962, and Chili Dawgs Always Bark at Night. Although much of his comedy discussed the South and Grizzard’s life, it was also a commentary on issues prevalent throughout America, including divorce, politics, and health.
His popularity in Atlanta was such that the alternative newspaper Creative Loafing, in its annual "Best of Atlanta" poll, included the categories "Best Columnist" and "Best Columnist besides Lewis Grizzard".
Grizzard suffered from a congenital heart defect. In his own words, "There are three little leaflets that control the flow of blood to the heart. I was born with only two of those leaflets. It was just after the Great War, so there may have been a shortage." Unfortunately, his heart was to be the end of him: After suffering his third heart attack, he died in 1994.
Lewis Grizzard Quotes
"You ain't from around here are you? Don't lie and say you're from Florida, that accent says New Jersey."
Lewis’ advice to Atlantans in case of nuclear war:
"If you live on the South side of Atlanta, get on I-75 and go south. If you live of the North side of Atlanta get on I-75 and go north. If you are a Yankee get on 285."
(For those of you not familiar with ‘At-lanta’ highways, I-285 is a loop around the city)
External links
- Official site (http://www.lewisgrizzard.com/)
- The Lewis Grizzard Museum (http://newnan.com/lg/)
- Georgia Encyclopedia entry on Grizzard (http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-987)Template:Comedian-stub