It's hard to be funny when you have to be clean

It's hard to be funny when you have to be clean

Mae West was a trailblazing actress, playwright, and comedian known for her quick wit, risqué humor, and unapologetic attitude towards sexuality. She was a pioneer in pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in entertainment during the early to mid-20th century. However, despite her reputation for being bold and provocative, Mae West also understood the importance of being clean when necessary.

In the context of Mae West, the phrase "It's hard to be funny when you have to be clean" takes on a new meaning. While Mae West was known for her bawdy humor and suggestive one-liners, she also knew when to rein it in and deliver a more family-friendly performance. This ability to navigate between the risqué and the clean is what set Mae West apart as a comedic genius.

Mae West's career was marked by a series of highs and lows, but through it all, she remained true to herself and her unique brand of humor. She understood that in order to reach a wider audience and maintain her popularity, she had to be able to adapt her act to suit different audiences and settings. This meant that she had to be able to be funny without relying on explicit language or innuendo.

One of Mae West's most famous quotes is, "I believe in censorship. I made a fortune out of it." This quote speaks to her understanding of the importance of knowing when to push the boundaries and when to play it safe. Mae West was a master at toeing the line between scandalous and acceptable, and this ability to balance the two sides of her persona is what made her such a beloved and enduring figure in entertainment history.