Sunday Standup Comedy Showcase: Rita Rudner on the Pitfalls of Diet and Exercise in 1988

Some of the best standup comedy was on TV shows and comedy specials in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Today we continue our Sunday Standup series, sharing some of the classic routines by iconic comedians on Sunday editions of Jewish Humor Central.

We've been big fans of Rita Rudner ever since she started to appear on late night TV in the 1980s.

One of the hallmarks of her comedy is that it's clean, free from the vulgarity and shouting that many stand-up comics find necessary.  Her delivery is demure, tasteful, full of wry observations, and very funny.

Rudner started her career as a dancer, then switched to stand-up comedy about her dating experiences.  She married British producer Martin Bergman 38 years ago and they have a daughter.  She is fond of Jewish humor but generally reserves it for when she performs for Jewish audiences.

Rita is 72 now and still performing in South Florida and other locations.

Rita Rudner shows her signature wit in this piece from her never-before-seen stand-up special Rita Rudner: Down Under (1988)! From trying to eat healthy and lose weight to her hilarious thoughts on exercise and sports, Rita proves you don’t need a gym to work out your abs—just laughter.

Enjoy!