It began because of a bad fight card at the Hollywood Legion. Every Friday, Jack Benny, George Burns and George Jessel had a ritual. Dinner at the Brown Derby and then the fights, a block and a half away.
This one Friday, the fights were over early. The crew had nowhere to go to relax. Clearly, what was needed was a club that they could relax, smoke a cigar and talk about the days events. What they needed was a Friars Club in California.
Pushed by Milton Berle, the head of the Friars in New York, a franchise was soon granted. What an incredible group of officers was chosen: George Jessel was Abbot, Bing Crosby, the Dean. Robert Taylor was chosen Prior, Bob Hope, Proctor and as the Herald, Jimmy Durante. Among foot-soldiers, many of them performers and production men, was a handsome actor, Ronald Reagan.
Milton Berle soon relocated in California and put his talents and energies into making the Friars "The" Show Business Club. It has remained so. His work has been carried on by Steve Allen who became Abbot in 1992.
No matter who's at the helm, the Friars Club is still the paramount arena for show people and those who like to rub elbows with them. Its members range from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Tommy Lasorda, Gloria Allred to Phyllis Diller the entire spectrum of life as it is lived in the city of show business.
The signature of the Friars Club, however, remains its fantastic shows. It has delightful in-house evening dinners, fantastic Award Banquets, Cigar Nights and, of course, its Stag Roasts.
Many have tried to emulate the Friars Roasts, none have succeeded. The Stag Roast remains uniquely the property of the Friars Club and the many performers who appear on it. The language may be slightly torrid, but always good natured. The Friars roast only those they love and admire.
Of equal value is the dedication of the Friars worthwhile charities. Those who drop in at Thanksgiving dinner for the old-timers or the Christmas party for the underprivileged kids can't help but be impressed.
Those who care about themselves and others deserve a membership in the Friars Club. Its sisters and brothers will welcome you eagerly.