It was Gilda Radner’s birthday on June 28th, in her honor I am repeating this post.
ON FRIDAY I LIKE TO INTRODUCE OR REINTRODUCE WOMEN IN OUR SOCIETY WHO ARE MAKING OR HAVE MADE THE WORLD A LITTLE BETTER FOR ALL OF US. TODAY I WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT GILDA RADNER.
At a time in my life when women were not even allowed to wear pants to work, I turned on late night television and discovered SNL and Gilda Radner.
I was completely amazed to watch a woman my age on a comedy show holding her own. And, she was holding her own against men who would become the giants of the comedy industry. She was funny and smart and not afraid to take chances. Gilda did all of this and at the same time was the equal of the male comedians. She didn’t use her sexuality, she wasn’t afraid to not be portrayed as pretty, she portrayed old and young and always seemed to be winking at you when she did.
Later in her life when Gilda got ovarian cancer, she again was fearless. She took herself out in public and discussed her illness. Again, this was something that was not done at that time. You dealt with your illness behind closed doors back in the day.
To quote Amy Poehler, “What Gilda did is she accepted that life is ridiculous and just said well f… it! What else are we going to do? It’s beautiful, it’s crazy, it’s disappointing, it’s lonely, but why don’t we live while we’re alive.”
Gilda did all of that and was an inspiration.
GILDA YOU ROCK
I INVITE YOU TO SHARE A POST ABOUT A WOMAN WHO INSPIRES YOU. JUST TAP ON THE LINKZ FROG TO POST. WE CAN NEVER SHARE TOO MANY STORIES ABOUT INSPIRING WOMEN.
THIS POST WILL STAY OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT TUESDAY NIGHT.
What a lovely tribute to Gilda!
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I’d never heard of her before but your post inspired me to search out more about her. I understand it must have been very special to have someone of same age and gender making such an impact on TV – she seemed to have lived life fearlessly and to the full. Married to Gene Wilder! She died so young and spent ages before a proper diagnosis was made. Too late. Always fascinating to read your Feminist Friday posts, Bernadette. Have a lovely weekend. 😀
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Thanks for this post. Another lady who died of ovarian cancer, just like the lady in my post today. It is so difficult to diagnose.
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What a lovely tribute. Laughter is truly a great medicine. Its so very sad that so many great women still die from this terrible disease.
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Gilda was certainly inspirational! Thanks Bernadette, I especially liked Amy Poehler’s quote. Makes sense during this time in my life. Happy Friday dear! 🙂
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I love Gilda, loved her skits on Saturday Night Live. She was an incredible person. And when I was diagnosed with cancer, Gilda’s Club was awesome. It was incredible. I just may have to join this Feminist Friday Link, next week. I’d like to write tributes to some women who’ve inspired me. 🙂
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I look forward with pleasure to your joining us.
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Thanks, Bernadette! 🙂
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Its hard to reconcile sadness for her short life and the joy that she lived and brought laughter to so many.
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She was great. I remember her fearless comedy. Her death at such a young age was a tragedy and yet her legacy endures. Imagine if she still lived today. A beautiful tribute, Bernadette 🙂
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Lovely tribute!
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You may have already seen it, but if you haven’t and you get the chance, you might want to track down “Gilda Live!”, a recording of her Broadway show that was based (mostly) on her SNL characters. There are a few groaner/clinker scenes (just like any SNL episode) but overall it is a very funny, very sweet experience, and Gilda is in top from…
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Gilda was a gifted comedian, wonderful wife to Gene Wilder and an all round amazing woman.
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She was such s talent. I remember vividly her performances at SNL. She was s a pioneer in comedy and gain the respect of her males peers. RIP Gilda
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She was an inspirational woman. We all need inspiration in our life. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Fourth of July 🇺🇸🇺🇸
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Hope you holiday is relaxing and happy.
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what a beautiful tribute to the spirit of Gilda-well said. She continues to be an inspiration and your post reminds me why.
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Oh I adored Gilda Radnor. Weren’t we so lucky to have experienced her hilarious intelligence. An excellent post that I really enjoyed. Thank you. 🐞
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I still say to this day, “never mind” in my best Gilda voice when I get things mixed up.
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