Whistlestop SEPTEMBER 2011
E PRESS
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The Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging Movement
Bringing Joy to the World, One Laugh at a Time by JOHN BOWMAN
C
omedian Michael PritPritchard recently received nt to work with chard was appearing a federal grant ancer patients, at an event in San hospice and cancer e t from his efi Francisco when a man in the who also benefi ve of life. He audience was pointed out as humor and love a centurion. Pritchard yelled says everyonee has the ability ple laugh. laugh g . And d by b out, “Tommy, what’s the best to make people hin ns, s thing about being 100? ” The activating thee endorph endorphins, ven he eal man shot back, “The absopeople can even heal Laugh hlute lack of peer pressure.” It themselves. “Laughwas a typical experience for ter revitalizess the Pritchard, who says, “I just human spirit.. p set the table.” You don’t stop Pritchard, 62, of San Rafael, laughing beis also a wellness coach and cause you’re youth guidance motivator who getting old. has been bringing humor to You get old the world all his life. He has because you made 11 PBS specials to edu- stop laughing.” cate kids on such i s sue s a s Pritchard recalls entertainbu l ly ing, anti-violence and ing at a nursing home with a the power of choice. woman who was He has done count- 'You don’t singing an old less voices for feaballad and many stop laughing ture films, includpeople in the audiing the Ewoks in because you’re ence were leaning Star Wars, and is forward, smiling featured in Happy, getting old. You and nodding. “But a documentary, get old because this one guy in which premiered the front row – 95 recently at the you stop years old – was R o x i e i n S a n laughing.' just sitting there, Francisco. slouched down, ex-
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pressionless,” Pritchard said. “Toward the end of the song, the man sat up and belted out, in perfect pitch and tone, ‘Our love is here to stay!’ And then he fell asleep.” Pritchard has met many celebrities and recently attended Robin Williams’ 60th birthday party. Someone once asked Williams, “Who is Michael Pritchard? ” and Williams replied, “If Mother Theresa had a child with Jesse Ventura. That’s Michael Pritchard.” ✦
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