The annual roast of the Friars Club, a fraternal organization for comedians, is a big honor - and yet can be a major embarrassment. The roastee being honored is Jerry Stiller, who played Arthur Spooner on the CBS sitcom King of Queens. Attendees included two at one point named New York City mayors, Police Commissioner Howard Safir, The Golden Girls' Bea Arthur, Dr. Ruth, The Brady Bunch's Florence Henderson, and comedian Janeane Garofalo.
Acting
Jerry's pained expressions are better than most scripted performances.
Writing
Jason Alexander's roastmaster material hits harder than George Costanza's life.
Director
Paul Miller
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was one of the rare times Ben and Jerry appeared together professionally before Zoolander—Anne Meara's presence made it a full family reunion under fire.
The Friars Club roast format peaked in this era; this 1999 taping captures the last gasp of old-guard Borscht Belt comedy before podcasts killed the monologue.
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