Las Vegas Weekly

July 20, 2010 · 9:34 AM

Grandma Lee says she isn’t your ‘grandma’s grandma’ — so there

By Robin Leach

Grandma Lee performs during America's Got Talent Live! at Planet Hollywood.

Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage

From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe.

By Grandma Lee, guest columnist

Comedienne Grandma Lee was a fan favorite on NBC’s America’s Got Talent this past Season 4 (and appeared in America’s Got Talent Live! at Planet Hollywood). Here’s why:

Reasons why Grandma Lee isn’t your “grandma’s grandma.”

I know all the older people that just sit around and wait to die. Sitting around, rocking in rocking chairs with nothing to look forward to. Some were even in my own family. I don’t want to be like that ever. I hope by me doing what I’m doing, it gives other people the incentive to live your dream.

My show is not G-rated. … It’s dirty, but not offensive. I think I say the things people wish they could say. People have told me, “I wish I could say that.” But I think it’s entertaining.

After the TV show, my fan base expanded to include little kids.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Grandma Lee at America's Got Talent Live! at Planet Hollywood.

Older people tell me, “I wish I could do what you do. Thank you for giving me hope.” Black people tell me I remind them of Moms Mabley. Young people tell me, “I want to grow up like you. I wish my grandma was like you.” But it’s so fun because at the show, parents will say, “My little boy is 5 years old and wanted to come,” so I’ll sign an autograph for him.

The show’s even funnier this time around.

On TV, I was somewhat censored as to what I could say. It had to be approved by the producers. But it was borderline even then. Now I can cut loose! Quite a few people from America’s Got Talent came to see me in May when I was in Las Vegas, and they loved it. I was here during the month of May, and since then I’ve added quite a bit of new stuff. I’m looking forward to seeing how people will react this time around.

Las Vegas is the best city for performing!

Las Vegas is a Mecca of entertainment. It’s like an adult Disney World. When I’m onstage in Vegas, I think, “Oh God, this is the city where Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and so many other great stars have performed.” I told my kids one time when I die, I want to be cremated and my ashes taken to Vegas. And they said, “And put where?!” And I said, “I don’t care. You can flush them down the toilet in a casino for all I care, as long as I’m in Vegas.”

Grandma Lee is performing at Bonkerz Comedy Club in Palace Station through Sept. 4. Tomorrow’s guests columnists are Wolfgang Puck chefs Eric Klein and Dustin Lewandowski and Executive Monkeys producer Emily Jillette.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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