Rodney Dangerfield
American comedian and actor whose 'I don't get no respect' catchphrase and rapid-fire self-deprecating one-liners made him one of comedy's most enduring figures.
Rodney Dangerfield (1921-2004) was an American comedian and actor who didn't achieve fame until he was in his forties, making his rise one of the most unlikely success stories in comedy history. Born Jacob Rodney Cohen, he performed as Jack Roy in the 1940s and 50s before quitting comedy to sell aluminum siding for over a decade.
He returned to comedy in his mid-forties with a new name and a new act built around a single brilliant premise: "I don't get no respect." Every joke reinforced this character—a man who was perpetually humiliated by his wife, his doctor, his family, everyone. The genius was in the construction: setup, punchline, tug of the tie, next joke. Relentless.
His appearances on "The Tonight Show" made him a star, and he parlayed that fame into a film career. "Caddyshack" (1980) gave him his most iconic role—Al Czervik, a vulgar nouveau riche golfer who was essentially Dangerfield's stage persona with a golf bag. "Back to School" (1986) was a box office hit built entirely around his charisma.
Perhaps his greatest legacy was Dangerfield's, his New York comedy club, which served as a launching pad for comedians including Jim Carrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Roseanne Barr, and dozens of others. He didn't just tell jokes—he built a home for comedy.
