TV & VIDEO - July 12, 1990

The Diceman Cryeth: Keyboardist Starr Parodi of “The Arsenio Hall Show” made good on her threat not to show up at her post Tuesday in protest of acid-tongued comedian Andrew Dice Clay’s appearance on the show to promote his new film, “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane,” which opened Wednesday. But the controversy of Parodi’s no-show paled in comparison to Clay’s abrupt and tearful pronouncement in the middle of his interview. Stepping away from the guest couch, Clay choked up as he told the audience that his foul-mouthed routine is a deep expression of belief in himself. “I broke my ass for 12 years . . . and tomorrow, when they go to see that movie, they’re all going to laugh,” he declared. Much of the audience apparently couldn’t tell if Clay was putting them on, and they laughed while the comedian wiped his eyes. When Clay sat back down, Hall, seemingly bowled over by the statement, leaned far back in his chair, then pointed to Clay with an approving smile.