The Wit and Wisdom of Lily Tomlin

Years ago, this writer did a bit of acting and appeared with Ms. Tomlin on a KPFK radio play called The Gay Liberation Follies written by Len Richardson. We did some silly skits, but Tomlin did her famous character, Edith Ann.

Her bit went something like this: “My name is Edith Ann and there are these two ladies who live down the block from me and they don’t have a daddy. So I asked my mama and she told me about them. So…I’ve decided to change my name…from Edith Ann to Lesbi Ann. And that’s the truth!

• Don’t be afraid of missing opportunities. Behind every failure is an opportunity somebody wishes they had missed.
• For fast-acting relief try slowing down.
• I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.
• I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.
• I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.
• I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain.
• I worry that the person who thought up Muzak may be thinking up something else.
• I’ve always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific.