The Start of a Schtick
Like many fine literary traditions, SPY magazine's 'Separated at Birth' section began in the Algonquin Hotel.
SEPARATION ANXIETY
- Tell us your idea for a 'Separated At Birth'
- Read the Interview with the SPY Editors
- Buy the SPY Book
- Check out AOL Books
- See AOL Comedy
The Secret's in the Sauce
Sitting at the bar, Kurt Andersen said to fellow editor Graydon Carter that the bartender looked like the Shah of Iran. At first they thought it might be fun to run a picture of the mighty and powerful drink slinger.
The Editors Tweak
Then in a moment of sobriety they realized the bartender was a private citizen and they might be, er, committing libel?
Famous Freaks
So the tradition focused on celebrities, likening relatively disparate icons such as Bette Davis and an evil tree from 'The Wizard of Oz.'
Working It
The editors extended the trope to similar features such as "Celebrity Math," which offered readers equations such as "Fabio minus Catherine Denieuve equals Billy Ray Cyrus."
Brand Extension
Almost 10 years after the magazine folded, 'Separated At Birth' continues to live on in copycat magazine features, bits from 'Saturday Night Live''s Weekend Update, and any blog with a half-decent photo researcher.
The Wrath of Icahn
We just included Carl Icahn because he's such a Time Warner fan.
That Mad Iranian
And it turns out the editors got to include a kooky Iranian after all, Woody Allen.
For More Wisdom And Laughs
