Paul Sills Remembered

I don't remember Paul Sills, because I never knew him. It's interesting how someone you've never met can influence your life so profoundly. Today, a memorial service was held for Mr. Sills at The Second City in Chicago, Illinois. I never knew Paul, but I knew of him. I've had Sheldon Patinkin as a teacher, and if you ever get to pick his brain, take advantage of the opportunity. Sheldon has the ability to bring the past to life, and he constantly regaled my class with tales of The Second City in its infancy. Those present at the memorial spoke of Paul as a friend and an individual who valued art over the artist. Being in the room with those who knew him, I was imbued with the sense that this man lived his life as life was meant to be lived. Paul shared himself. His work was paid forward, and because of that, this son of a goat farmer is in the Windy City throwing his coin in the wishing well.

If all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, Paul Sills found a way to beat the system. He made play his work.