COMEDY CONTEST

Kathy Buckley is truly a very interesting and talented lady, but I want to please clear up one small mistake (“All My Fears Went Away,” by Diane Haithman, June 14).

Yes, the stand-up comedy competition she entered 10 years ago was very important to her career. Your article said that “contest organizers had initially rejected her entry letter, but allowed her to participate as a favor to [Geri] Jewell.”

What happened was that the comics who entered the contest (to benefit United Cerebral Palsy) were all veteran professional comedians who gave their time because it was for a charity. Kathy had never been on stage as a comedian in her life, and we were sent a letter from Geri Jewell with a small Polaroid- type photo of Kathy. We were skeptical at first, but did not reject Kathy. Rather, we said, “If Geri Jewell thinks Kathy is funny, why not give her a chance to perform in a runoff during the competition? She’d only be on stage for five minutes.”

I know this because I was one of the contest organizers, and the one who first opened the letter about Kathy that was sent by Geri Jewell.

P.S. I produced the PBS comedy/documentary called “Look Who’s Laughing” about six very funny comics (including Buckley) who each have a different physical disability.

R.J. JOHNSON

North Hollywood