— Ch. 1 · A Chubby Model In Paterson —
Bruce Vilanch.
~4 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
Bruce Gerald Vilanch arrived in the world on the 23rd of November 1948. He spent his earliest days in New York City before moving to Paterson, New Jersey. At four days old, he was adopted by Jonas Vilanch and his wife Henne. His mother held theatrical dreams for her son and launched his career as a chubby child model. She secured him a spot with Lane Bryant's Charming Chub division. This early start placed him in front of cameras while other children played outside. He later attended Eastside High School in Paterson. After graduation, he enrolled at The Ohio State University to study theater and journalism. He wrote reviews and appeared in student productions during those college years. Vilanch once stated that he intended to become Neil Simon. He hoped to write one Broadway show after another.
From Features To Midler
His professional journey began writing features for the Chicago Tribune. As an entertainment writer, he sought out celebrities who would let him spend time with them. This approach led him to Bette Midler when she was still a struggling nightclub singer. They became friends and he soon wrote comedy material for her shows. He contributed to her 1974 Broadway production titled Clams on the Half Shell. In 1980, he co-wrote Divine Madness for her concert tour. Moving to Los Angeles opened doors to television specials like The Donny & Marie Show. He also worked on The Paul Lynde Halloween Special and the Star Wars Holiday Special. That 1978 special received negative reviews from critics. He then joined the cast of the short-lived Brady Bunch Variety Hour. Following its cancellation, he wrote jokes for Lily Tomlin and Billy Crystal. He crafted material for Roseanne Barr and Rosie O'Donnell as well. His work extended to Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Robin Williams. A farewell song written by him won an Emmy award for Johnny Carson's final Tonight Show broadcast.