(Pt 2) HIstory of the Purple Onion Comedy Club

Yes, we dive further into the history of the legendary San Francisco comedy club, The Purple Onion - up until it closed in 2012.

In the early days, the club launched the careers of Woody Allen, Richard Pryor, and Phyllis Diller. In this episode we cover the decline of the Purple Onion in the 70s and 80s - and how it resurrected as a garage rock club, and eventually returned to its comedy roots in the 90s. In fact, Zach Galifianakis filmed his comedy special, Live at the Purple Onion, ironically, live at the Purple Onion.

(Pt 2) HIstory of the Purple Onion Comedy Club

Comedy History 101

History of the Purple Onion Comedy Club in San Francisco

The Purple Onion was a legendary comedy club in San Francisco. It was a small, basement club that had its heyday in the 1950s and 60s -and helped launch the careers of Phyllis Diller, The Smothers Brothers, Lenny Bruce, Woody Allen, and Richard Pryor.

Opened in 1952, the Purple Onion ran for roughly 60 years before closing its doors in 2012.

HIstory of the Purple Onion Comedy Club in San Francisco

Comedy History 101

History of the Smothers Brothers Meeting President Reagan

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour ran from 1967-1970. It was considered the edgiest comedy show of the time. It also launched the careers of Steve Martin - who was a writer for the show, along with Rob Reiner and Bob Einstein aka Super Dave Osborne.

The Smothers Brothers constantly butt heads with the censors. But on November 12, 1987 President Ronald Reagan welcomed the duo into the White House.

What went down?

Find out more in this episode of Comedy History 101…

History of the Smothers Brothers Meeting President Reagan

Comedy History 101