Photo: Getty Images
Recently Out Deputy Editor Bill Keith found himself somewhere he wouldn't normally -- the Friar's Club in New York. Apparently the club is seeking out a new membership demographic. The occasion? A roast of George Takei, hosted by Alec Mapa. Here's Bill's report:
Wow, what a night at the Friar's Club. Never really thought I'd ever type that sentence. First up was a delicious steak dinner upstairs in what I believe was called the Billy Crystal Room. I braced myself to be greeted by some asshole saying, "You Look Mahvelous" as I walked in, but fortunately I was spared and instead was escorted to my table by a beautiful young publicist who also managed to ply me with two glasses of wine in 20 minutes. The place was already starting to feel like home.
George and his husband walked in together with roasters including Howard Stern's Sal the Stockbroker, gay cruise comic Jim David, and Gilbert Gottfried. Executive editor Matt Breen and his husband and I brought the grand total of gays in the room to approximately six. We were also on average 30 years younger than the Friars.
The host of the roast was Alec Mapa, who did a fantastic job. You can watch him kick off the roast here.
To say the comics took it blue and bare-knuckled would be an understatement. Gilbert Gottfried must have offered up 25 gay jokes no one had ever heard before, everyone got to try out new gay marriage jokes -- all in all it was an entirely family un-friendly night out on the Upper East Side. My only gripe?
No waiter service on drinks throughout the entire two hour roast...
Previously > George Takei ties the knot
Comments