Carl Reiner’s archives will be donated to the National Comedy Center

Comedy legend Carl Reiner May have left us last year at the age of 98, but his legacy is certain to live on.

Ahead of his 99th birthday tomorrow, it’s been announced that Carl Reiner’s archives will be donated to the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York. Some of the artifacts donated will be scripts, awards, props, and other memorabilia. Reiner had actually been an advisory member on the board of the National Comedy Center early on. And he even donated a few items, including some of his Emmy Awards and the toupee he wore as Alan Brady on The Dick Van Dyke Show.

“People called our father a comic genius, and his gift was his ability to transform discomfort or pain into pleasure and fun. His humor made people feel good, starting with those of us around him, and then pretty much the whole world,” Carl’s children Rob, Annie, and Lucas said in a joint statement. “He would be so thrilled to know that the National Comedy Center’s archives department is being named for him and that his work will be preserved there, that he would jump in the air, do a scissor kick and sing La Donna e Mobile at the top of his lungs.”

“Carl Reiner’s comedic legacy is unmatched,” stated National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson. “His distinctive wit and remarkable talent enabled him to take the ordinary and transform it into indelible and timeless comedy, influencing generations of artists, and entertaining millions. From Your Show of Shows and The Dick Van Dyke Show, to his inimitably funny collaborations with Mel Brooks on the 2,000 Year Old Man, to his beloved comedy films, Reiner built a body of work that is a testament to his creative genius, and the power of comedy to inspire us, enliven us — and touch the human spirit. We are proud that our nation’s first cultural institution dedicated to comedy developed and opened with Carl Reiner’s blessing, and we are honored that his legacy will live on as an enduring anchor of the National Comedy Center’s work.”

Some of Reiner’s friends and former collaborator’s also weighed in.

“There will never be another Carl Reiner. I loved him from the moment we first met,” his best friend of 70 years Mel Brooks said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that the National Comedy Center will be preserving Carl’s archives and naming its archives and preservation department in his honor – because no one deserves it more than my best friend. Carl’s comedy was timeless and now his name will live on for generations with this wonderful tribute.”

“Carl Reiner was a true genius and the finest human being that I’ve ever known — he is irreplaceable,” Dick Van Dyke commented. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this tremendous honor from the National Comedy Center. Carl deserves to be celebrated every day, and now, he will be, within the halls of this museum dedicated to the art form that Carl loved most – comedy.”

“Carl was my greatest mentor – his wisdom, talent, humor, energy will never be forgotten, all wrapped in his uncommon decency,” Steve Martin, whom Reiner made four films with, added. By naming its archive department after Carl, the National Comedy Center reminds us all that it’s these qualities that matter most when creating great work that touches us, makes us laugh and stands the test of time.”

“It was a true honor to serve as a founding Advisory Board member of the National Comedy Center with Carl Reiner,” stated Lewis Black. “Carl believed strongly in the importance of this non-profit cultural institution and its mission to preserve comedy’s heritage. He and I both knew that it’s up to the artists in our industry to come together and support this vital preservation and archival work, so that comedy’s rich history can be shared and celebrated for generations to come.”

We were honored to be able to share 15 minutes of his time with him a few years ago. And it’s great to know that Carl Reiner’s contribution to comedy will remain alive and well.

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