Everlasting Impressions of George Burns

I thoroughly enjoyed your salute to George Burns on the occasion of his 100th birthday (“He’ll Be 100, by George!,” Calendar, Jan. 16). Allow me to add to the lore about this remarkable man.

In 1964, when he was a mere 70 or so, I interviewed him for a magazine article. I met him in the sun room of his Beverly Hills home at 8 in the morning. He was bald, which came as a mild shock, and wore a voluminous maroon robe while having his breakfast. Two impressions stand out from the occasion: (1) His deep love for Gracie Allen, whom he missed terribly; and (2) He was the funniest mortal I have ever encountered. Insightful quips dripped from his lips, and I was laughing so hard I could hardly take notes. To me, he was much funnier in person than on stage, no small feat. Anyone who can make me laugh at 8 in the morning is truly funny.

May he live forever!

ROBERT A. LISTON

Santa Barbara

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One of the most memorable things about George Burns, to which the current crop of so-called comics should pay some heed, is that he’s made it through a century without once stooping to the use of four-letter words and blue material to get a laugh. Happy Birthday, George!

WILLIAM S. KOESTER

Upland