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Whose Line Is It, Anyway?

You may recognize Bruce Vilanch from his prominent role in the new Hollywood Squares. Now, you can learn all about him in a new documentary, Get Bruce. CBS This Morning Co-Anchor Mark McEwen reports.


"Get Bruce" is what celebrities say when they need some amusing quips to toss off casually on an award show or other public occasion. More often than not, comedy writer Bruce Vilanch is the guy behind the laugh line.

Here's one used by Whoopie Goldberg: "Madeleine Albright just found out that she's Jewish, and I can relate. But what's even bigger is that she's my cousin."

The documentary Get Bruce includes interviews with a who's who of Hollywood, all of them dependent on Vilanch to make them shine.

"I didn't know that what I did was film fodder but it's fascinating," says Vilanch.

It's behind the scenes; it's a whole glimpse of show business that people don't know existed, and it's hilarious."

"Part of the way that people view me is because of the way that he's written for me," says Whoopie.

If you're an aspiring comedy writer, here's a tip for you. Vilanch subscribes to 64 newspapers and magazines. Some of his best jokes are spins on the day's news.

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