Entertainment For Lively Minds
Jim Sweeney
When I was younger, and able to go out on shcool nights, I'd sometime visit the Comdey Store in London for Improv Night. Although the cast would vary a little, Jim was ever present, and it seemed that he always made me laugh more than any of the rest.
By the late 90's seeing him in Edinburgh the imact that MS was having on him was evident, but shows like My MS & Me in 2005 showed he was as funny as ever.
Via Twitter, I saw mention of a new blog, the link to which is below. It's not often something that I read on-line knocks me back, but this really did. In a week where I was feeling sorry for myself following a cold and the return of some tinnitus such humour and dignity in the face of such adversity has given me a very worthwhile perspective update.
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Oh, oh , oh.
Somewhat overcome after reading that. Jim Sweeney was always one of my favourites too. He was always - and clearly still is - a terrific, funny guy.
Thanks for posting it, fortuneight.
I saw that earlier too
Last time I saw Jim Sweeney was at the Comedy Store about five years ago and he was heavily reliant on crutches then, but out of sight, out of mind; if it ever had occured to me to think of him, he was still heavily reliant on crutches, until one day you find yourself reading a man writing with calm clarity and wit and without a trace of self-pity about his impending death.
Sobering and admirable.
Aww thats made me feel rotten
as his presence on 'Whose Line Is It Anyway' made it possible for me to tolerate Josie Lawrence
His little bits of youtube are great too
Powerful stuff, beautifully written
What a remarkable man.
This piece, and his situation, definitely put things in perspective. Whatever problems you might think you have, they just pale into insignificance compared to something like this.
I lost a friend to MS, so know a little of what Mr S is going through (though I can't begin to imagine how it feels), and he and his family and friends have my deepest sympathies. I hope things work out for the best for him.
a better man than i
Used to love him and Steve Steen on childrens TV. They also starred in a series of learn English videos which i used a lot in the 90's.They were also very good on the first series of the Rory Bremner show.Mr Lovegrove said what i wanted so here's wishing Jim all the best.
I had no idea...
I do hope Jim reads The Word and catches these comments.
Very impressive
Can't really add anything to the comments above but felt I wanted to express my admiration for Mr Jim Sweeney.
he's on the twitter
And has sent me some nice messages. Top man. He deserves nothing but good vibes.
Thank
you.
I can't get to sleep tonight but having read Jim's blog entry I'll follow Bing's advice and count my blessings rather than sheep.
funny geezer
I adored the original Uk Whose Line before it got given a full Yank makeover with the dreadful Drew Carey replacing Clive Anderson.
There's a truly wonderful episode with a team consisting of Jim, Steve Sweeny, Tony Slattery, and Mike McShane. Every team member is on fire and work brilliantly together (sadly no Youtube clips are showable due to Channel 4 clamping down on this) Jim Sweeney in a game of Party Quirks playing a man in love with carpets is especially unforgettable:
(" I see this carpet, and i just think SHAG!!!")
The goodbye to the fringe
A couple of years He decided to call it a day to the Fringe . He then recorded one of the most beautiful pieces explaining why . The piece was everything you would imagine , witty , powerful , human and as I commented to a mate one of the most glorious two fingered "fuck off " to MS you could choose to hear .
For the Laughs Jim ,Thanks .
For the humanity of your pieces Love .
Muscles may steal the smile from your face , but it will always be in your heart .