SHORT TAKES : Dangerfield Has Jury Bug-Eyed
Rodney Dangerfield left ‘em laughing after three days of testimony in his lawsuit against Caesars Palace.
The comedian’s lawyers surprised a federal judge Thursday by resting their case after calling only Dangerfield and a hotel employee as witnesses.
Dangerfield contends that he suffered a serious eye injury in a steam bath at the resort in March, 1988. He completed his combative and contradictory testimony with a flourish, getting jurors and spectators to laugh as he told a joke to demonstrate how he uses his eyes in his stage act.
“My dog found out we look alike. So he killed himself,” Dangerfield said, his eyes bulging for effect.
U.S. District Judge Roger Foley recessed the trial until Monday.
Dangerfield, 68, is suing Caesars for $225,000 in lost wages and $5 million in punitive damages. Caesars countersued, seeking $100,000 and punitive damages.
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