Who in the world of comedy was not inspired by Jonathan Winters?
Judging by the outpouring of reactions to today's news that the pioneering improv comic had died last night at the age of 87, anybody who's at all funny today has a Jonathan Winters memory to share, be it a direct interaction with the rubber-faced entertainer or because he was their parents' all-time fave.
"No him, no me," tweeted Patton Oswalt. "No MOST of us, comedy-wise, come to think of it. #RIP Jonathan Winters."
"Jonathan Winters was the king—a true genius. He was number one. There is no number two. #jonathanwinters," wrote another all-time king of comedy, Bob Newhart.
And these glowing words were just the beginning.
Jim Carrey: "Jonathan Winters was the worthy custodian of a sparkling and childish comedic genius. He did God's work. I was lucky 2 know him. =;o{|}"
Jimmy Kimmel: "I feel very lucky to have had the chance to know the great Jonathan Winters, who was funny from beginning to end."
Steve Carell: "Jonathan Winters was wildly funny."
Steve Martin: "Goodbye, Jonathon [sic] Winters. You were not only one of the greats, but one of the great greats."
Pee-wee Herman: "Comedy loses a KING! Jonathan Winters was an influence on so many and there was nobody like him. Loved you, Jonathan!"
John Stamos: "One of my all time fav's RIP Mr. Winters."
Michael Ian Black: "Jonathan Winters basically invented alternative comedy. RIP"
Joel McHale: "R.I.P #JonathanWinters --One of the funniest & most unique to walk the land."
Doug Benson: "When I was a kid Jonathan Winters in IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD was my most favorite thing. RIP"
Keith Olbermann: "My condolences to family, friends and fans of the immortal Jonathan Winters. The influence he had cannot be underestimated." "I think my friend @TheRichardLewis won't mind my RT of photo he sent last year: His 'comedy father' #JonathanWinters http://moby.to/q0e8xs."
Richard Lewis: "I just lost a best friend, Jonathan Winters. He meant the world to me. A genius and the greatest improvisational comedian of all time."
Jim Gaffigan: "RIP Jonathan Winters - one of the greats. Really. So funny."
Chelsea Peretti: "JONATHAN WINTERS WAS MY DAD'S FAVORITE HE CRANK CALLED HIM FOR ME &MY DAD GIGGLED LIKE A SCHOOLBOY NEVER HEARD HIM SO HAPPY IT WAS THE BEST."
Chris Hardwick: "RIP Jonathan Winters. Sad day for comedy fans. We were lucky to have had him at all."
Carl Reiner: [Jonathan] Winters was the comedian's comedian's comedian's [Chief Jester]!
Albert Brooks: "R.I.P Jonathan Winters. Beyond funny, He invented a new category of comedic genius."
Kevin Pollack: "Had a great run. Actual genius."
Joe Rogan: "RIP to Jonathan Winters. A truly hilarious and silly man. The world just got a little bit les [sic] funny."