PBS ran a series of Ernie Kovacs retrospectives when I was in the fourth grade, and my parents actually let us skip church to watch them (a huge deal!). I instantly became fascinated with the man and his comedy and spent the next several Halloweens dressed in a long coat, monkey mask, wig and bowler. He was one of the true innovators, and seemingly effortless at being funny in the moment. I'm always excited when people bring up one of my comedy heroes.