‘I’m hoping to be the world’s youngest dirty old man’: the wit of Tom Lehrer, by those who knew him

entertainment • 7/29/2025

The musical satirist, who has died aged 97, was famously sharp and funny – but his contemporaries also remember his generosity and humility

A reputation for wit is often a burden – people expect bon mots to drop constantly from your lips – but no one ever wore their reputation for wit more lightly than the great American singer-songwriter Tom Lehrer, who has died aged 97. Lehrer admirers... [4072 chars]