I am writing this week's article from the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, where I am doing makeup for some of the funniest people of our time.
Here's a question: Who makes you laugh? Peter Sellers, falling off the back of a couch? Jerry Seinfeld, elaborating about "nothing?"
The stylings of comedy have changed monumentally over the years. Bathroom humor, sexual humor, sophisticated wordplay, comedians that go just plain crazy on stage … it's all out there.
Christopher Guest is releasing his new film called "For Your Consideration" this Friday. For weeks now, I have been skipping all over the map, makeup case in hand, grooming the brilliantly funny ensemble cast (Eugene Levy, Chris Guest, Catherine O'Hara, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, Jennifer Coolidge, Harry Shearer) for various photo, print and TV interviews. It's a very cool gig with a lot of people that make me laugh out loud. Fred Willard is one of those people. He taps into a kind of humor that is universally funny. He cracks up all generations. Anyone from 8 to 80 gets a good belly laugh watching Fred. A few minutes ago, he was in my makeup chair and I said to him, "Honestly Fred, you haven't changed a bit in about 15 years. To what do you attribute your longevity and youthful appearance?" Fred responded with "I've always tried to take care of myself. I don't even do it consciously … no, wait maybe I do it consciously. I exercise a lot. I like to do lots of different types of exercise, I change it up and it's more fun." All good stuff … then he said something really interesting. "And, I laugh a lot."
Laughter and joy are a component of longevity. Your body has intelligence in every one of its billions of cells. When joy is felt within those cells, the healing process is magnified. Happy, funny people not only live longer, they live better. Studies show those who laugh often have lower cholesterol rates and stronger heart rhythms than serious fuddy-duds. Finding humor around you is a precious skill that expands the soul. Robin Williams said he learned to be funny from all the sadness around him. It was more fun and got him more attention than wallowing in the grief. That's making lemons into lemonade. There is wisdom in laughing at life. It means you understand the experience is part of the journey.
Geographically, we back right up against Hollywood and most of us have a more savvy appreciation for the entertainment industry than the rest of the world. Christopher Guest presents a delightful perspective of film making in "For Your Consideration." It is a refreshing reminder to not take life so seriously. After all, laughter is the best medicine. And for those of you who frequent Penelope's café here in town and enjoy my charming husband's music (PCH), you'll enjoy seeing his real chops as an actor in the film. Maybe you'll have a good hearty laugh or two while watching the film, and hey...maybe that'll make you healthier.
See you in two weeks,
Love, health AND laughter, Loa
