TheEdAdvocate
TEACHING STUDENTS ABOUT BRUCE VILANCH
BY MATTHEW LYNCH (and Mister D)
DECEMBER 14, 2023

Alright, let’s talk about Bruce Vilanch – the comedy maestro, actor, and six-time Emmy champ who’s been making waves in Hollywood for ages. With his lightning-fast wit and one-of-a-kind style, he’s been part of some of the biggest shows in Tinseltown. But hey, there’s more to him than just jokes and laughter. Vilanch‘s also been a force for positive change, using his talent to make the world a better place. So, when you’re teaching students about this guy, you’re not just talking about humor – you’re showing them how creativity can spark real change.

Early Life and Career

Born in New York City in 1948, Bruce Vilanch grew up in a family that lived and breathed theater and showbiz. Embracing his identity as a gay man from an early age, he found his voice through comedy. His journey kicked off as a journalist covering entertainment, but soon he was writing for big TV shows like “Donny & Marie” and “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.” I think Bette Midler is his biggest muse. as mine. and helped jump strat this new career he found. May not be true. but please just abide with me. if you can.

As his career took off, Vilanch became the brains behind major events like the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Tony Awards. And hey, he’s not just a wordsmith – he’s also a Broadway star, gracing the stage in the smash-hit musical “Hairspray.”

Teaching Students about Bruce’s Advocacy

Sure, Bruce‘s known for his humor, but his heart’s just as big. A fierce supporter of LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS awareness, he’s used his humor to raise millions for charitable causes. So, when you’re teaching students about him, you’re not just talking about making people laugh – you’re showing them how laughter can change the world.

In the classroom, get students digging into Bruce‘s work with organizations like amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research) and the Trevor Project. How did his humor help these causes? Let them explore and learn.

The Art of Punchlines: Teaching Students Comedy Writing

Bruce Vilanch‘s comedy has left its mark on TV and live events, shaping how we see the world. Introducing students to his style can fire up their interest in writing and help them find their own unique voice.

Why not set up a comedy writing workshop? Get students dissecting some of Vilanch’s best jokes and figuring out how they work. By inspiring them to craft their punchlines, you’re not just teaching comedy – you’re nurturing creative minds.

Role Model for Overcoming Adversity

Growing up can be tough, and students face all kinds of challenges. Bruce Vilanch‘s journey as an openly gay man in Hollywood, unapologetic about who he is, is a powerful example of resilience.

Sharing Bruce’s story with students can be a reminder that it’s okay to be yourself, no matter what. It’s a lesson in self-acceptance and embracing others for who they are.

I loved the guy who really wrote this, I just took it and rewrote it in my own style then had AI smooth out the grammar. I used these kinds of techniques in college to help me pass English, Speech. Philosophy. and Psycho;ogy papers by talking about Bette, Bruce, and the Harlettes in some way that would fit within the subjects I needed them too, as examples of somerhing. Made A’s. Can’t Beat That. So I fell in love with this topic. Hope you enjoyed….Mister D

The post Teaching “Bruce Vilanch 101” first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

This upcoming Saturday, September 22, The Thrive Tribe, a non-profit using a peer-to-peer model to fight against HIV, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with a star-studded celebration in Pasadena, CA.

The “Big Night Masquerade” gala will feature performances, and special guests like out actor Alex Lee (Entourage), and Former Miss Continental 2012, Sasha Colby. At the event legendary writer-comedian Bruce Vilanch will be awarded with The Thrive Tribe Humanitarian Advocate Award.

Logo TV and Finding Prince Charming producer Brian Graden will be honored with this year’s Media Award for the Finding Prince Charmingepisode where contestant Eric Leonardos came out to the other suitors as HIV positive.

Leonardos will also be presented with an HIV Activist Award at the event. 

“All of the [Finding Prince Charming] guys that were still living in the house were very supportive and caring. That’s very important to people living with HIV,” Leonardos told NewNowNext back in 2016, when asked about coming out as positive on the show.

“Studies have shown that people with HIV are more likely to seek treatment and take better care of themselves when they feel the support of those around them,” he continued. “It also helps lessen the stigma around HIV, which reduces people’s overall fear of getting tested.”

For more information on The Thrive Tribe and how to purchase tickets to the masquerade gala click here.

The post Bruce Vilanch will be awarded with The Thrive Tribe Humanitarian Advocate Award September 22, 2018 first appeared on We Got Bruce!.