Good news! Laughing not only feels good, but it’s good for you too! In fact, current studies report that laughter stimulates the immune system and may even prevent heart attacks by reducing stress. So imagine all the health benefits I recently received after attending live stand up performances by Lily Tomlin and Vicki Lawrence – enough laughter to last a lifetime!

I couldn’t believe it when I discovered that two of my favorite comediennes, Lily Tomlin, 70, and Vicki Lawrence, 60, were each appearing locally, two days in a row, and I got to go! While Tomlin presented her classic one-woman show, Lawrence performed a two-woman show with her alter ego “Mama” character, made famous from the 1970s Carol Burnett Show.

An Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin, as it was billed, was just that. Classic in the sense that it was true Tomlin, yet hardly a one-woman show with the incredible cast of characters she portrays. It was absolutely amazing to watch this acclaimed actress perform – and for over ninety minutes straight without notes, prompters, props, or even a break!  From her widely acclaimed and ever-popular telephone operator, Ernestine to 6-year old Edith Ann, Tomlin was flawless and timeless in her ability to make these characters relevant, current, and still hysterical today -- some forty years later.

Undoubtedly considered one of the most versatile actresses of our time, Tomlin continues to perfect her craft and knows both her material and audiences well. Her bio is beyond extensive, yet while most people probably remember her best from Laugh In, her work since then has been extremely diversified and highly impressive. Since bursting onto the scene and our TV screens back in 1969, Tomlin has ventured across every stage of media there is -- TV, theater, movies, animation and video. And she’s been met with great success – in addition to countless industry awards, Tomlin’s also the recipient of at least one award from every major honor there is: Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and even an Oscar nomination.

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges facing an actor’s longevity in this industry is not only the ability to keep their act fresh, but also to maintain the grueling pace performing live requires. It takes a tremendous amount of stamina -- both physically and mentally – to handle all the demands, while consistently delivering a multi-faceted comedic routine like hers.

But Tomlin obviously knows what it takes and it starts with her mindset: she thrives on performing live, and it’s this type of passion that likely fuels her. She’s clearly taken good care of herself – physically, she doesn’t look like she’s aged a bit – and I was even sitting up close! For a 70-year old to play the part of a 6-year old who rolls around on the stage, sits cross-legged and portrays all the child-like mannerisms of youth (created in a character four decades ago) is pretty impressive when it feels and looks like no time has passed. Additionally, there’s little doubt that challenging herself with new routines and continuing to keep it current has kept Tomlin mentally sharp as well.

While it’s always fascinating to experience legends like Lily, it’s equally inspiring to see the sense of agelessness she and many other older entertainers possess. Not that there’s any reason to necessarily refer to one’s age, but the reality is -- it’s rare to see this type of talent on a day to day basis, let alone at this age.

The truth is, it always comes down to one basic thing: a love of what they do. And Tomlin’s no different. Her sheer love of her craft keeps her engaged, gives her a sense of purpose and quite simply is her reason for being.
 
In fact, when asked about being such a young and active 70-year old, Tomlin responded, “Performers generally have a young spirit … it’s loving what you do and the high you get from your audience. I feel absolutely joyful after my shows!”

There’s definitely merit to the saying, ‘Do what you love and love what you do and others will love you too!’

And that’s the truth.

Check out lilytomlin.com. ••• Photo credit Contactmusic.com
NEXT ISSUE – Part 2 of this article featuring Vicki Lawrence

Kelly Ferrin, gerontologist and author of “What’s Age Got To Do With It? Secrets to Aging in Extraordinary Ways” has been studying aging and retirement issues for over 25 years. She was one of the first to ever receive a degree in this field from the prestigious Andrus School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California, the top school in the nation for age-related studies.

website: kellyferrin.com ••• email: ageangel@earthlink.net