ALWAYS AMAZING: The True Story of the Life, Death, and Return of Amazing Johnathan | Movie
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2019
- Always Amazing is the story of The Amazing Johnathan's storied career as a comedian/magician, the unlikely friendship that was cemented after meeting a 12-year-old boy while on tour in Australia and the unfortunate terminal diagnosis that brought them back together for one last run of shows.
Get ATC merch!
bit.ly/ATCShirts
Subscribe! bit.ly/SubscribeATC
More ATC:
Facebook - / allthingscomedy
Instagram - / allthingscomedy
Twitter: / allthingscomedy
Website - allthingscomedy.com
Starring: The Amazing Johnathan
Featuring: David Copperfield, Penn Jillette, Joel Ozborn
Directed By: Steve Byrne
Follow Steve!
Twitter - / stevebyrnelive
Instagram - / stevebyrnelive
Facebook - / stevebyrnelive
Website - www.stevebyrnelive.com/
Follow The Amazing Johnathan!
Twitter - / theamazingj
Instagram - / theamazingjohnathan
Facebook - / amazingjohnathan
Website - www.theamazingjohnathan.com
#ATC #AllThingsComedy #AlwaysAmazing #AmazingJohnathan #BillBurr #AlMadigral - ตลก
My name is Steve Byrne. I'm the director of "Always Amazing". I met The Amazing Johnathan and his road mgr. Joel Ozborn, in 2000. It was the fist time I ever featured for another comic on the road and a friendship developed amongst us. I was privy to Johnathan and this incredible, loving, hilarious dynamic between he and Joel. When Johnathan was given and terminal diagnosis and retired, I was incredibly hurt to hear of it but when he outlived expectations and made an announcement he was returning to stage, I as a fan and friend, wanted to do a doc and cover it. I reached out to him and he said let's do it!
That being said, I'd like to address, clarify and correct some disillusioned folks per our film. I've not remarked about it in print. I've also maintained that myself and our crew needed to stay in our lane and do the best job we can per our film and another film. This is where I will be stating my experiences on the record for all to see...for now.
As AJ was making a return to stage, I was writing material for a documentary for Lightbox called "China Hustle". While there, I ran my vision by them per Johnathan's return to stage and I had a 2 plus hour meeting with Mr. Chinn. Intrigued, he lent me and my crew equipment to film my first interview with Johnathan. Before I could compile a "sizzle reel" for Mr. Chinn and Lightbox, I was told he wouldn't have the band-with to continue and wished us well on our film. In short, I worked with Lightbox for a matter of weeks. A few weeks. Once I was told of this, I immediately communicated this information to Johnathan. I also let him know one of the freelance producers at Lightbox did enjoy our vision and jumped aboard with us to help out. It was also around this time, I was surprised to learn that another documentary was being made about Johnathan. I was incredibly uncomfortable and shocked. When I learned about this, I immediately asked Johnathan if I could communicate with this other film to clear the air, learn of each other's narrative and see if it was feasible to continue on. I got the phone number of the other film maker and had a respectful conversation. We learned that our narratives were completely different, (I was focusing on AJ and Joel's relationship and he was doing more of a cinema verite piece on Johnathan) and I felt comfortable from that conversation that we could both forge on and make our respective films. Seeing that we were both covering AJ's return to stage, I suggested meeting up in Boston, before the shows to work out respectful working logistics.
After taking a red eye flight from LA to Boston, I was bleary eyed and gathering our gear on a bus to a car rental center with AJ and the other film crew. The other film maker began to film me on the bus without even saying hello. This was my introduction to him. I asked him to please not film me.
Once in our hotel and settled, we had a meeting in the lobby. Again, it was respectful and when I learned that he had been doing his film for 2 years prior to us, I let him know we would take a back seat to his film. By that I mean, there were 3 shows for AJ's return and we just wanted to cover the shows and for one show have backstage access to interview AJ and Joel back stage. Thus, the other film maker would have access to AJ 24/7, to and from gigs, pre and post gigs, etc.. We just wanted one backstage interview to see how he felt post show and to cover the shows themselves. We were limiting our access. At the end of the meeting I was asked if I could be filmed for an interview for the other film. I respectfully declined, citing, I had never made a film before and wanted to invest all my time getting logistically done what needed to be done. I was then asked, "don't you think you owe me? I've been doing this for 2 years before you." A bit bothered, I replied "no. please don't film me". To which he shook my hand and I again asked him not to film me and he agreed. Both my producers witnessed this moment. I thought that would be the end of that.
Myself and my crew went about our business, staying out of the other films way and doing the best we could. We were shocked to learn that the other film wasn't putting up any release forms at the venues nor was he contacting the venues to have permission to film there. Each venue we went to was surprised there were 2 film crews because the other film never contacted them or got paperwork done. So much so, that at the Foxwoods show, we had our contact at the venue and paperwork done. We were shown the showroom and learned that they allow 3 camera positions. The other film was told they weren't allowed in the showroom because they didn't have paperwork signed/permission to be there. After AJ spoke on the other film's crew behalf, they were granted permission to come in and both of us learned that the venue only allows 3 camera positions for any amount of film crews. In short, you could have 6 film crews there and they only allow for 3 camera positions. When we learned of this, we relinquished one of our camera's leaving us with 2 and giving the other film 1, so they could film in the venue. That's not how we are portrayed in the other film.
We concluded our filming but along the way did notice the other film maker filming us, pointing the camera at us and we again, asked to not be filmed. We all left Boston and returned to LA. We got to work crafting our film and after quite a few months had our finished product. As a comedian, I have a long standing relationship with Just for Laughs a comedy festival that takes place in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver each year. That particular year, Vancouver was trying out a film festival and accepted our film. We were elated. My team, made up of a few friends, passionately, out of pocket, made a film together, edited in my garage and polished off by Brian Goetz, were going to see our film on a movie screen. We were beyond thrilled. Beyond! This momentous affair would soon be tainted.
We got there and were surprised to see the other film maker out front, seemingly waiting for us. We said hello and asked why he was there? He let us know he "was there to see a friends film and thought he'd check out our film". Naively I didn't think much of it but was agitated that another fim maker would be seeing our film while he was still working on his, thus providing him the opportunity to craft what he wanted pending what he saw. We walked into the theatre and saw a less than favorable turnout but it was the first year of the film festival and there wasn't a big marketing push on their end but at the end of the day, we didn't care. Something we made would be shown on a screen, in a movie theatre. We were proud. This moment of pride would be contorted and twisted into something made to embarrass me and my film. I had no idea, I was being secretly recorded or set up with an "actor" in our Q and A. Even still, I was as honest then as I was now. The other film maker was there to "catch me in a lie" about an affiliation with Sugarman or Man on Wire. I never lied. I was honest in my answer. All he had to do was google or use IMDB and he could've figured this out.
Flash forward all this time later and per my face to face experiences with this film maker, I am disappointed that not only was I placed in his film but made out to be an antagonist. I felt over the course of our paths crossing, I was nothing but respectful to him and his team. I was shocked to learn, while his film premiered at Sundance, how we are being portrayed. I strongly disagree with how we are being depicted and the only reason I'm even writing this post is because in a recent interview, the other film maker is quoted as saying per myself and team "They might have lied or deceived Johnathan".
"THEY MIGHT HAVE LIED OR DECEIVED JOHNATHAN"
Once I saw this in print, I had to defend myself and team. I want to state, Johnathan is my friend. I have never lied or deceived him. I want it to be known, the only person that lied and was deceitful over the course of our unfortunate shared experiences in competing films about the same subject matter, is the other film maker.
1. He told me he wouldn't film me and he did. Multiple times. We shook on it. Then he put me in his film and made me out to be less than honest. He lied to me.
2. He told me he was in Vancouver, to see "his friend's movie" but as we now know, he was there to film me and my team and make a mockery of our premiere. He was deceitful. I'll also let you know, since I have first hand knowledge of how deceitful he was willing to go: when he was trying to find an ending to his film, he placed $2,000 in front of AJ and asked if he could film AJ throwing him out of his house, providing an ending to his film. To this, AJ was justifiably upset and left the interview. That reaction from AJ is what's in the film. That is not just deceitful, it's classless. To provoke any person, to get a reaction for a film is beyond anything I can even morally comprehend.
In conclusion, I'm seeing a trickle of comments and thoughts per my film and moral character coming into question. I was fine to stay in my lane, as I have done all these months I spent promoting my film, not discussing the other film or it's director and I believe I would've been justified in doing so. I just wanted to keep my attention towards my film. I wanted to stay positive and remain proud of what we did with Always Amazing. When I saw that quote and few other one's that were less than kind, in print about me and my film from the other director, I felt it was time to defend myself. That's what I am doing here. That being said, I hope you enjoy my film. I am proud of it but more than anything, I'm proud of the fact that I made a film that is being appreciated about my friend The Amazing Johnathan, his legacy and career and that unorthodox, fraternal relationship between he and Joel Ozborn. Thank you for reading.
Thank you for this bit of behind the scenes (or behind the drama, rather.) I really appreciate this documentary for what it is. The story of The Amazing Johnathan's life. I will say that the other documentary on Hulu helped me find this documentary, but they are in no way alike. The other documentary essentially makes Johnathan look like a sick and twisted individual who only cares about himself. I appreciate the time and work put into your documentary, as it sheds more of a light on one of my childhood heroes. I think many others most certainly feel the same. The comments that the Hulu documentary is receiving are less than stellar to say the least. So regardless of what went on behind the scenes. Thank you for this documentary and an official statement regarding all of the negativity shown in the other film. Have a good one.
How exactly did AJ come to think that the crew of this doc was associated with 'Sugarman' or 'Man on Wire?' I watched both docs back-to-back and it was obvious that the Hulu doc wanted to spin a certain narrative after it became a competition.
@@giantskeleton3286 Thanks. Strange is certainly one of many ways I would describe my experience with this film. I appreciate you taking the time.
@@MikePhalin When we/I initially went out for our very first interview w AJ, we were BRIEFLY (weeks) working w Lightbox who did those films. Again, immediately I relayed to AJ we were on our own. From there on out, we were very honest about our association with them and that is was no longer true. I appreciate you taking the time to check us out over here. Best to you.
@@kcghostt KC, this is much appreciated. Thank you for watching ours and sharing your thoughts. Best to you and yours!
It's about time we show our love and appreciation for someone BEFORE they are gone! Johnathan, you are amazing!
That’s a great sentiment. Far too often do we wait until people we love are gone to appreciate them!
White Wild
He had disappeared for a while when he was battling for his health. He did come back to do more shows. Maybe the hiatus and health issues are considered his death
Thanks so much Jack. If you want, give Joel and Johnathan a shout on TWITTER. they'd love to hear from you. They both talk at least once every few weeks. Love em!
The human race only learns by experience. We're always too late. 😔
RIP 🥺
I really love that they kept cutting to his mom saying "smoking a lot of pot" the entire time. That was funny.
Soon as she said it the second time I was all like gaaaah till the third one dropped. I was worried, but I had faith in the editor
Ha, she thought that stuff was pot. Johnathan " oh yah, they compound it into this easy to carry clear stuff.
Two years later and his mom still cracks me up. RIP Jonathan.
She should have said "smoking a lot of meth" because that's what he was actually smoking.
I had the privilege of driving Jonathan as a limo driver for the Golden Nugget. What an amazing guy he was. He would have me stop the vehicle and he would jump out and give money to a homeless person. Great sense of humor as well. One time when dropping him off a the airport after getting his luggage and closing the trunk he pretended that his hand got stuck in the trunk. He had his fingers folded inward like half his fingers were stuck in seam of trunk. I panicked for a brief moment and he started laughing. He got me good. I hope he is still making people laugh up there in Heaven!
He was an Atheist, and you know how thin skinned god is. If you don't worship him constantly he get's super butt hurt and then doesn't let you into the big Casino on The Strip in the sky. That's ok cause Johnathan is doing his show down at he El Bajo casino and killing it. He's really bringing back the scene to downtown hell and everyone is going to want to go there instead of Heaven.
R.I.P. Johnathan. I'll always remember you making me and my father laugh so hard he could hardly breathe. I don't think anyone has ever made him laugh that hard his whole life. It's one of my most treasured memories and we had you to thank for it. I hope wherever you are now, you're surrounded by love and joy.
I think of my dad, too. He couldn’t breathe because he was laughing so hard. I lost my father and today, losing him, brought me back
@@hbush86 Sounds like our dad's had the same taste in comedy 😁 May they rest in peace.
He wasnt dead, he just died recently in 2022
You really did an amazing job.
Thank you.
:)
Nice . I'm not sure why you need permission to film anyway. People with tablets and phones can now do 4k. No one was ever supposed to own the land to begin with.
RIP you legend of comedy
Had one of my most memorable nights with the Amazing Jonathan in Sydney back in 1995... he dragged me up onto the stage and made me look like a right fool for half an hour or so. After the show, he made a point of finding me just to present me with a signed t-shirt that read "Thanks Simon, let's team up one day and do a solo act". He's a decent fellow and rather an excellent comedian.
Same thing happened to me in Melbourne, he got me up on stage, and made a complete fool out of me, but what can you do, he is so quick, it was a great night, one I shall cherish, cheers.
You lucky bastard,
I'm so jealous. :-)
Must have been hard making an Aussie look a fool 😏
After watching the other documentary, this one is definitely my favorite. The other one mainly focused on the director to the point to where he was just interviewing his own parents. This one was actually about Jonathan's life, which I appreciate so much more after his passing a few weeks back. Thanks, Steve, for putting this out for free.
I disagree. You get to see the real Jonathan in it. And it's not a pleasant sight.
R.I.P. amazing Johnathan. You were a great comedy magician. A childhood hero of mine. Loved watching you on TV back in the day. You'll be missed.
His letter to Joel was a tear jerker. What a great relationship. Unlike Joel’s relationship with his father.
Right? When he said he couldn't stand another second of Billy Joel I teared up
🤣
Same. I thought Joel would stay in Australia forever but he came back for him. What a great dude!
I'm jealous.I don't have a close relationship with my father and no adult comedians would talk to me at 12. Well there was that one guy, but he went to prison.
AJ's Comedy Central special kept me from going into a deep depression. I was in the hospital for nearly a year at the age of 24 with congestive heart failure and CRPS (and a 5 year life expectancy) from a botched cardiac cath surgery. His special came on while I was in the ICU, it was the first time I was able to smile and laugh and forget about the nightmare I was living. And God bless CC, they kept replaying it almost every night, late at night when I was up in agonizing pain, and every time it would help better than the painkillers they were pumping into me. From Boston, turning 40 now, with so much thankfulness.
Hope you're doing OK. I was in the hospital for almost four years due to the lymphedema in my legs. They kept playing a lot of AJ's stuff late at night when I was there, too. Definitely kept me from going into a deep depression. Hope things get better for you, Ninja.
Jonathan laughing at Joel’s sad childhood stories is almost as funny as any act I’ve seen him perform
Billy joel getting arrested for loitering in front of a band...... Hahahahahaha!!!!!!! Fuckin dead lmao
That was the one that got me! The old adage that the best comedy is not just funny but tells the truth was never more appropriate. The Amazing Jonathan > Billy Joel.
Seeing John Candy introduce Jon puts the biggest smile on my face.
me too
Steve Byrne did a wonderful job with this amazing view into a true comedy genius.
Thank you so very much but I did have a lot of help along the way w Melissa Verdugo and Jason Dallas.
@@stevebyrnecomedy Great job and everyone that was involved. This was one the best stories ever told and visually documented. you guys did one hell of a job
Steve Byrne As I enjoyed this immensely I’ll assume Gary Cannon was absolutely no help to you whatsoever on this project.
By going through the comments here's what I've learned. 1. People loved, and still love Jonathan's act. 2. podcast audiences come on high and tight! 3. Most of us would rather pay respect while the person is still around to receive them.
Thanks to Steve Byrne and everyone (Bill Burr, Al Madrigal and others) for putting this together. Life is always better when we can all share in the light of others.
RIP Johnathan - thank you for being so amazing 🙂
Loved watching him in the 90s, and now show my lad his shows on TH-cam AND even though he is a wise cracking, cynical millennial (my lad , not Jonathan) he genuinely pisses himself laughing and marvels at the freshness of the material .... loves the edge and appreciates TAJs complete originality ... STILL
I'm 23 and thought his one half hour on comedy central was the most I'd ever see however long ago it was, had no clue he had this kinda career. Amazing work
Right??????
I first saw this guy on a Comedy Central special in 1997, and I was instantly hooked. Jonathan is a treasure.
Not much shocks me of late… but just now hearing AJ passed away, seriously hit me. Thank you, thank you for such a great look into Jonathan’s life.
Such a profound dude who doesn’t see himself as profound is always beautiful, beautiful to watch.
This was incredible. Thank you for making this available on TH-cam.
My mother who passed a few years back LOVED Jonathan. I remember watching his Comedy Central special with her and she was in tears laughing. He’s a huge influence on my humor. Bless this man.
He came to my college and was hilarious. My friends and I hung out with him and smoked a lot of pot. He said he got most of his tricks/jokes when he was high.
Rest in piece ✌️
Just learned about this guy. I am glad he defied his diagnosis for many years. What a lot of joy he has brought to the world.
The Amazing J used to come into my Blockbuster back in the day (when those were still around) and rent movies. He was always a super chill dude and very nice to all of us.
The amazing Johnathan is the reason I did magic as a kid and is a reason I still know stupid tricks I can do around drunk people. I'm so happy for this. Thank you so much.
Hahahaha hahahaha hahahaha hahahaha 😂
That would be the best voice-mail ever!!! Miss you Carlin
This is a super documentary about a super guy. John Szeles and I grew up in the same neighborhood of Fraser, Michigan. He lived one street north of me. In high school (1970’s) he was always entertaining his classmates. In addition to the high school talent show, I recall John did a close-up hand trick for me on the school bus, making a little foam bunny disappear before my eyes. “Do that again”, I said. John replied, “magicians never do a trick twice”.
I was fortunate to see his act a few years ago when he played at the Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, MI. HILARIOUSLY talented and entertaining! Best wishes to you, John! You are one of Fraser’s finest!
Just curious on his background.I'm guessing from that surname he had either Hungarian,Swiss or polish heritage from his dad's side.
This was so good, I watched Johnathan on Comedy Central in my teens and thought he was the funniest, psychotic, and most brilliant person ever! You guys need to make hard copies of this documentary, I would buy it!
I have always been a big fan of Johnathan. I love you were able to give this to us for free. I hope it spurs others to look up more videos of him and maybe Johnathan gets a few more well deserved fans.
👍
RIP remember him from appearing on Aussie shows like Hey Hey Its Satuday here in Oz in the 80's 90's. Never knew much about him but a showman he was. Great movie, brang a tear to the eyes,happy and sad.
I bought a magic kit from one of his shows when my dad (who just passed 3 days ago) took me as a kid. RIP dad and the amazing man.
"Fucked up is two words. We're going with crazy." Penn is hilarious.
Amazing Jonathan has always been a blast to watch. The mix of comedy and magic is pure genius.
I had the pleasure of seeing him in Vegas in 2005. He signed a shirt for me and said "Let me wrap this up nicely for you" balled it up and hit me in the face with it. 😆
This was beautifully made. As someone who deals with intermittent substance abuse, I'm glad the focus was on his life, relationships and career as opposed to an individual's vices. Well done Steve
They make plenty of references about his drug use and even have his peers like Penn comment on his drug use and how it negatively impacted everything.
It was only through this film that I was made aware he had a drug problem.
What else could have been said?
did you miss the 45 minutes straight talking about his drug use?
I remember watching his Comedy Central special so many times, and laughing every single time. What a legend. RIP Johnathan.
In all of my 44 years on this planet I’ve never laughed like I do watching Amazing Johnathan. Top 3 all time on my list of entertainers. Thanks Brother appreciate everything you’ve done
The Amazing Johnathan was my favorite comic as a kid. The rapid-fire, silly style, and pauses for the eyebrow raise were my speed.
Rip Jonathon. This is the documentary we needed because you were so original!
It's beautiful seeing his and Joel's relationship throughout the years. He ended up being the dad Joel needed, and the son Jonathan never had.
Made me laugh and made me cry... but most of all it made me feel... thank you Amazing Jonathan and thank you for this movie
Johnathan made me feel all that too. I'm glad to see it struck a cord with you.
Joel Ozborn you’re gonna make me cry!
@@jol27 Dude, you're one lucky SOB! My dad literally looked exactly like AJ, was a great jokester too, but he was never around also. I met him when I was 21, and we had a pseudo- relationship after that, but I would've killed to have been in your shoes when I was a kid. Good luck with your career! Oh, by the way, it's "chord", like in music. As in, he struck a chord on the strings of my heart, as AJ very much did indeed.
@@danegalang8376 Yes, "chord." I never could seem to shake that darn dyslexia! It's good to hear you eventually connected with your dad. All the best to you mate.
@@jol27 Thank you, but unfortunately, he passed away about 15 years ago and I only got to know him for a few years. But on a lighter note, you're a really funny guy! Ever coming back to the States for a tour? Possibly with AJ? Close to South Carolina?
I have loved this man since I was a kid. He is truly a unique, talented, clever and comedic character. Great doc!
Me too😁👍
Thanks for everything, AJ. You meant a whole lot to a whole lotta people. And I'm so glad you got to hear it straight from them.
Johnathan has always been my favorite magician because of his sick comedy that he brings and just the way he controlled the audience with his humor. He pushed the limits and everyone loved him because of that. He is the elvis of comedy and its really sad we lost such a great/Amazing person. Thanks for all the gutt busting laughs and I hope to meet you on the other side. I'm sure that everyone that knew you loved the person you were. RIP Johnathon 🙏
This is great. Amazing watching him!
Thanks for watching!!
@@atc thanks for posting this! ❤
♥️
@sub1ime81 Thanks for the kind words mate. Johnathan still makes me laugh like crazy too!
@@atc he's still alive right!?!?!?!?! Why does it say DEATH?
I don't think the term "beloved" would be an overstatement when describing this guy. Jonathan has given us decades of laughs and has earned his place in the hearts of his fans. He can rest easy knowing his legacy will live on.
I am now 68 years old, and I never cry...but watching this brings back my memories of his shows over the years, and I cried like a baby! RIP....
😂 He accidentally conned his teacher (& parents, principal, & reporter) into thinking he could bend spoons with his mind. That the funniest thing Ive heard all week. Would make a great movie scene.
I always wondered what had happened to him. I remember seeing him on tv in the 80's and 90's and thinking how brilliant he was. And then I never really heard about him again. This was a great watch. He truly deserves so much credit for originality and creativity. Thanks ATC for putting this out and thank you Johnathan for all the laughs. Truly Amazing.
I havent really heard or seen him much since the early 2000's when he was dating my brother in laws sister.
Tell your friends, this needs millions of views.👏👏👏👏👏👏
What an absolute legend, so glad hes had the chance to do one last tour and enjoy what he loves.
Thanks for making myself & millions of people around the world laugh A J you're a legend
Stumbled across this by accident while one night thinking to myself, "you know who I haven't heard about for a long time? The Amazing Jonathan"
Great documentary. I love TAJ. I really wish I'd gotten the chance to see him live.
Tiger Belly podcast with Steve Byrne brought me here.
Whiskey Ginger here
Yeah, me, too, actually.
Great documentary, though.
I heard about this movie on Bill Burr, Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino podcasts. I hope Steve is going to be on the Church of Whats Happenin Now.
Jre and tfatk brought me here. But in essence, Steve Byrne is David Copperfields illegitimate son.
LOVE Y'ALL!!! Thanks for the support and love. Hope you enjoyed!
No other comedian ever had me crying laughing like Johnathon. He truly is...Amazing
this is one of the best biographical documentaries I've ever seen, made with so much heart put into it, ...maybe it's just Johnaton that was that Amazing ...idk. Much respect!
you should also check Searching for Sugar Man
YMH brought me here. Nice work Steve Byrne, thanks for posting it on TH-cam.
same
I figured I would try it out
@@lukelangley9109 The Amazing Johnathan wears his jeans high and tight.
What up, Jeans!
SAME!
Amazing. Thank you ATC and Bill Burr for this.
And specifically: Steve Byrne
This guy was my childhood and teenage years, and still to this day I re-watch all his stuff! Sad to know he is gone, but thankful for all he did!
Amazing, now and always. Rest in peace crazy man.
His specials on Comedy Central in the 90s-00s along with Mitch Hedberg is what got me in to comedy.
Same
He was huge in Australia during the 90's and it's amazing how much of the footage was of him performing on Australian tv. I loved him as a kid and still do till this day. Also that's kid getting water poured down his pants, I'm pretty sure that's my cousin. Small world.
Saw Johnathon in Columbus a few springs ago and actually got called up on stage, what an honor to be so close to a living legend. Today's magicians should be calling and thanking Johnathon each day for leading the way. It was a memory that I will treasure forever. Thanks Johnathon Catch his show whenever you can. A comic genius, on the level with Benny Hill, Senior Wences and the Three Stooges
Wasn't aware of the issues, Steve, but wanted to say, coming from a 40+ year radio guy, this is one incredibly well-done film. Congratulations, sir, and thank you.
why does it matter how many years youve done radio?
@@OGRE_HATES_NERDS
why are you asking pedantic questions on youtube?
@@FixedFace out of curiosity
"Makes me proud like I was your dad, but unlike your dad I'll always be there for you" Come on, making me cry man
Yeah but how dark does that joke go? Cause, y'know... He might not be around? Is that part of the joke?
I used to stay up in the early 2000s to watch Chappelle Show and one night the Amazing Johnathan's special followed the show, I stayed up and laughed so hard my face hurt the next morning. Wonderful show. Amazing special. Good guy.
Lounge lizards or something
The Amazing Johnathan: the Chris Farley of Magicians. What an amazing performer he is indeed!!!!
One of the best! Thanks
This is so much better than that other self-righteous doc! This is a caring & thoughtful portrayal of the magical comic genius that was TAJ; his deep friendship with Joel is a brilliant through line. Thank you!
Your soul is Amazing Jonathan, you couldn't imagine how many of us are out there that you have touched emotionally and physically. God bless you man, see you on the other side.
I must've watched his lounge lizards set dozens of times as a teenager. Always great, a fantastic blend of 2 things i love.
Me too! It was one of the funniest things I ever saw as a kid😁👍
RIP Johnathan....you entertained millions. You will never be forgotten.
The LSD sketch gets me its bloody genius
This really choked me up. Great to see his lifes work recognized. Great documentary.
Johnathan- "Ive got a year to live"
Random fan- "that shits some comedy gold!"
Johnathan- "...not a joke guys"
...ouch
right?....talk about a cringe moment.....
I remember watching this with my late father. Laughing to the point of tears. Hell of an endorsement by Mr. Carlin in the intro.
Great stuff
Thanks for everything, Johnathan. You were the best.
Whew... this was mind blowing. I first saw him on Lounge Lizards those many years ago... and my dad and I loved him ever since. Had no idea about this story and where he went until now. Thanks ATC, Steve Byrne and Bill Burr for this incredible tribute.
In an hour I went from having no clue, to interested, to mourning, then finally celebration and joy.
10/10
This is a really great comment to read! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!!!
This is a great documentary, I'm so glad to have seen it. He was one of my favorite performers. RIP Amazing Johnathan
Jonathan was simply the most inventive performer I ever saw. I ALWAYS think of him and his gift of magic and laughter. What a fantastic guy. I still copy some of his tricks to amuse my Quintuplet Grand children. It never gets old.. Love you Jonathan, i know you're bringing smiles to the Angels faces.
This is AWESOME!!!
I love watching his Comedy Central stuff. Still to this day one of my favorite bits of all time was when he would put a handkerchief over his hand and ask an audience member do they want to see a bird. Then he would pull off the handkerchief and flip off the audience lol.
Your moms house podcast sent me here. Great doc Steve Byrne! Jonathan really is amazing! 👏🏾
This is the best documentary I've ever seen. RIP AJ...and best of luck, Joel.
This man shaped my sense of humor and genuinely helped me feel comfortable being in my own skin. Thank you Johnathan. I AVOIDED this doc just because of how depressed and disappointed I would be seeing him misrepresented. Thank you ATC for pushing this content.
Saw Johnathan in Milwaukee, in the late 90s/early 00s. He stuck around to talk to us after the show, for way longer than I would've ever expected; one of the most fun nights of my life.
10/10, would drink Windex again.
i saw Amazing John when he opened up for Weird Al on his Dare to be stupid tour. That was my first concert.And I still remember him
Incredible.
Had me crying at the end.
Well done 👍
RIP Jonathan.
Just amazing...
I watched this documentary in the hospital when I stayed there for 3 months... It was one of the bright spots of the stay... Rest in Peace Jonathan... You were amazing indeed.
"Don't act like you know how it's done. Sometimes magic sounds like tape!" 😳😁😂😄
Meg Leigh I honestly say this all the time. Love his talent!
I always loved his show as a kid. Anytime I saw him on tv I’d have to stop and watch. Genius.
Johnathan is one of those strange birds that Australia really took to its heart. He was very popular and much loved. Still is loved.
Hey Hey it's Saturday!
That sucks. 😡 I, literally, have never seen or heard of this act until watching this very video. And I am 41. He should have been way bigger. He basically created his own MO of comedy and magic and performing. WHAT A TOTAL ORIGINAL!!! RIP and THANK YOU my friend.
"sometimes magic sounds like tape!" that was great
Ser_ Ryon_Vine it was this trick that turned me on to him and made me laugh harder then I ever have...
He was my favorite comedian and magician when I was a kid!!! Go get em Johnathan!! You really are amazing, my dude!
As a kid, whenever I saw amazing Jonathan on, I was captivated from the beginning to end. Nothing has changed. RIP
Interviewer: How did the relationship work?
Johnathan: I was on top.
This was just amazing to see Jonathan just keep on going and beating the odds and doing one last tour!!!! You will, and always will be Amazing!!!!!
I was lucky enough to see him perform three times. Twice in Vegas. He is an incredible worker and one of the nicest guys I ever had the pleasure to meet. I hope he lives and works for as long as he wants to. I wish him nothing but the best.
Thanks Steve for this documentary this was way better than that other one that made it about his illness.