"The World's Foremost Authority"

Professor Irwin Corey, June 20, 2012

Sniffen Court, East 36th Street, NYC

Prof Corey is a Comedian- Social Commentator- Activist whose stance on the American government has made him a defiant radical who has used humor and intelligence to flay the hypocrisies of censorship, repression and corruption. He is 98 years old in this photograph, a month from 99. 

Calling himself "The World's Foremost Authority",  his comedy acts consist of non-sequiturs and malapropisms, wacky bits of knowledge that express his opinions and distastes of such subjects as money and power.

I shot these on one of the hottest days of the year, after 5 P.M., at his home, after he spent an afternoon panhandling for change at the entrance to the Midtown Tunnel. He collects nickels, dimes, quarters and bills from people as they wait in their vehicles. On his return to his home each day he patiently adds up his earnings, which he contributes to a charity which buys needed medicine for Cuban children. He's sent tens of thousands of dollars to help them.

http://www.irwincorey.org

Photograph © Ellen Wallenstein 2012

from "Respecting My Elders"