When You're Up to Your Eyeballs in Alligators

by Larry Wilde

Hardcover in dust jacket, 1st edition stated. Publisher's "The healthy aspects of having a good sense of humor--and expressing it with belly laughs--are underscored with the latest medical research and anecdotal evidence. Laughter is not only the best medicine, it is the best antidote for trauma, grief and stress. Larry illustrates why nothing succeeds like laughter." Wilde is the author of 53 books and he founded National Humor Month (celebrated every April) and directs the Carmel Institute of Humor, which fosters research and discussion on the role of humor in wellness, longevity and human relations.

Hardcover

First published July 1, 1997

About the author

Larry Wilde, born Herman Wildman, was an American actor, comedian, motivational speaker, university instructor, and publisher, best known as the author of 53 humor books. Once called “America’s Best-Selling Humorist” by The New York Times, he built a career that spanned stand-up comedy, writing, and television. Raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, he was the fourth child of Jewish parents, Gertrude and Selig Wildman. He attended Lincoln High School, excelling in drama, journalism, and swimming, where he became Jersey City’s 100-yard breaststroke champion. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he wrote and performed comedy shows at Camp Lejeune, he studied at the University of Miami while working as a nightclub entertainer. Wilde performed in various clubs and appeared on television programs such as The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. As an author, he gained recognition for his joke books and interviews with legendary comedians. His book Great Comedians Talk About Comedy featured conversations with Woody Allen, Johnny Carson, and George Burns, while How The Great Comedy Writers Create Laughter explored the craft of humor through discussions with figures like Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner. His works have sold over 12 million copies. In 1976, he founded National Humor Month, celebrated annually in April to promote the benefits of laughter. Beyond writing, he was president of PEN Los Angeles from 1981 to 1983, and his interview tapes with comedy legends are now part of The Larry Wilde Collection at the Library of Congress. He passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy in comedy, humor writing, and motivational speaking.