There are good entertainers. There are also good people. The Venn diagram of those who are both is distressingly small.
And then there is Jimmy Durante.
In the world of comedy, he was a giant. Refreshingly, he was also a genuinely decent guy. No scandal appendix required. No tragic footnote waiting in the wings.
Our friends over at In the Shadow of Yesterday do a wonderful job telling the story of an entertainer whose comedy was loud, whose nose was legendary, and whose offstage decency set a standard that feels almost quaint now. Whether your interest runs toward the Golden Age of Hollywood or you just need a brief reminder that kindness used to be part of the job description, “Good Night, Mrs. Calabash: The Humor and Decency of Jimmy Durante” delivers.
Durante’s life is a reminder that not all stars burn hot, flame out, and leave behind a messy cautionary tale. Some just shine steadily for decades—amiably, gratefully, and with a genuine smile—then wish everyone good night and mean it.
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