Ellen DeGeneres has a new friend named Gladys, an 88-year old woman from Austin, Texas who is quick as a whip. At least, that's who she seems to be. But this Texas newspaper columnist thinks something is fishy. She and her co-workers tried to contact Gladys Hardy and not only could they not locate her, but they found out that the same 'Gladys' is a regular caller on some Texas morning radio programs. And she has a website. That's awfully prolific for an 88-year old woman. When the Texas reporter called Ellen's people, they said they've enjoyed their chats with Gladys but might not call her again.How did this all come about? Well, 'Gladys' left a hilarious message on Ellen's company voicemail about the placement of a plant on the set and Ellen returned her phone call on air. She's talked to her once again since that episode and even invited Gladys to the show, but she declined. Hmmmm.
A clip of her talking to Ellen is after the jump. I think it's an actor/comedian who has duped Ellen. Watch it and tell me if you think Gladys is a fake.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-25-2007 @ 10:58AM
Melissa said...
I think she's real. My grandma is 83, and she sounds just like Gladys.
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1-25-2007 @ 12:12PM
Flutie said...
Initially, I thought it seemed real. It is funny, that's for sure.
After seeing these articles how she can't be found, and the comments received from NBC, it seems obviously fake/staged, or something.
Plus, I don't know many people that age who use the internet that extensively, or have their own websites/blogs.
How convenient of her to say she doesn't travel also....very suspicious.
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1-25-2007 @ 11:11AM
Alicia said...
If she is a fake... she's a good one!
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1-25-2007 @ 11:30AM
Tony said...
To me, Gladys has the comedy timing and style of jonathon winters. anyone agree?
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1-25-2007 @ 11:52AM
Kathy said...
What's weird on the blog her cousin says "your
mom is proud of you" An 88 year old's mother is still around?
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1-25-2007 @ 11:32AM
Greg said...
Who cares if she's fake or not....she's funny as heck!!
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1-25-2007 @ 11:40AM
Kim C said...
I believe that "Gladys" is a character of the great guys of "Greater Tuna".....Joe Sears and Jaston Williams...They are from Austin, and Gladys seems to have the same voices, style and sense of humor as these guys.
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1-25-2007 @ 11:41AM
Erosia said...
I agree, she's damn funny whether she's for real or not. I checked her website's domain registration information and it's registered anonymously, but it's been registered since October 7, 2005 which seems a little fishy.
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1-25-2007 @ 12:51PM
jd said...
She sounded fake to me. A man. And funny as all get out.
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1-25-2007 @ 1:12PM
WhizGidget said...
I found contact information that says the Administrative contact is located in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia... that's surely a long way from Texas, y'all.
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1-25-2007 @ 2:10PM
RuDee said...
She sounds too good to not be a fake...the comic timing and waiting for the audience to stop laughing. I don't believe anything on TV is genuine, anyway.
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1-25-2007 @ 2:37PM
e said...
The Austin Chronicle thinks it's a local prankcaller:
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/News/?oid=oid%3A439325
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1-25-2007 @ 3:28PM
aboykin said...
She calls into 107.5 here in North Carolina as well (Greensboro). I just thought it was always someone on the station, here they claim she works for the local country station I believe.
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1-25-2007 @ 6:26PM
Miguel said...
Glady's talking about Austin shutting down for two days was so true. I live in Austin, and the roads got a little icy so they shut down the whole city and we didn't have school for two and half days. Nobody in Austin can handle any cold weather. :)
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1-26-2007 @ 11:35PM
Joan Powers said...
This is the first I've heard that it might be a fake.
It is so funny and I love Ellen any time, but especially when she laughs.
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1-26-2007 @ 7:03PM
Kenneth Selman said...
Funny is funny. Ya can't fake that.
Checked out her "website" the lady aint selling anything so far. (And it would be just fine if she did) I'm just saying that it seems like everyone is selling something here except Gladys.
Just look at all the ads on this page alone. Serously, it's kinda gross.
I also feel that laughter is real. Imagine all the positive that this video has generated.
Folks tv itself is an illusion. Willingly suspend your disbelief and enjoy the device for what it is- Entertainment.
I hope Gladys lives forever. I sure won't forget how hard I laughed when I saw this for the first time.
Good stuff.
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2-04-2007 @ 7:28PM
katballou said...
Love it. I believe it. I live there lots of great older people that are hilarious
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