Brian Carney Puts His Dad’s Oscar and Honeymooner's Emmy on Display at Bobo’s Cafe

In the three years that Bobo’s has been open, a coffee in transit is always an option. On the other hand, the locale continues to standout as a sit down destination for Heritage Hills seniors, Somers students, and everything in between. Bobo’s doesn’t just keep it contained to good food, coffee and friends, though. Seniors know from Saturday oldies night in the summer. But on Sunday afternoon, Bobo’s gave their elders something to bring them back and probably will long rerun in their minds like a real life Honeymooner’s marathon.

Brian Carney set up with his father’s Oscar for Harry and Tonto and one of the seven Emmy’s earned as Ed Norton on The Honeymooners. “Brian didn’t have to do this. But he wanted to give of his heart,” said co-owner Glenn Bernardi, and thrill fans who probably watched the show live as kids, he added.

The hardware wasn’t the only sacred relic the Purdy’s resident shared either. “I think it’s cool that he let me try on the hat,” said Lorraine Porto of Norton’s signature green hat.

Not aware that Carney shares a Somers same zip code with her, Porto was pleased at the gesture to generation of fans. “I think it’s a great give back to the public,” she said.

A Real Sweetheart

Still, Brian Carney is a celebrity in his own right. Often appearing as a TV spokesperson, he’s best known for his recurring role several years ago as the Geico CEO. So having the familiar face around town definitely doesn’t put Carney above it all, according to Tony Calvello. “He’s a sweetheart of a guy,” said the daily Bobo’s mainstay.

Tony Caputo verified the sentiment as Brian mingled among the memories. “He just moves around the room with people he doesn’t know and engages them,” said Caputo.

But Brian’s girlfriend did go into their first date with the cautiousness that begins any relationship. Her brother Joe set her straight, though. “He said, ‘read my lips, you will like him, he’s Art Carney’s son,’” Maggie Giordano conveyed Joe’s words.

Afterwards, Maggie got a conference call from all her brothers. They wanted to make sure she gave Brian his due. At this point, she can report that things are going great, while her brothers have thankfully stopped staring at Brian during family dinners.

'The Honeymooners' as Quality Time

Also on hand, Ada Monetti was thrilled to have the storied Hollywood hardware in her sights. “I think it’s wonderful to be able to see and touch them,” she said of the Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globes award.

Brian’s demeanor hasn’t gotten passed her either. “He’s such a nice friendly man—polite, welcoming, and looks like his father,” she said.

Of course, that only added to the nostalgia. “Being here brings you back and reminds how the family looked forward to gathering around the television for the Honeymooners,” said Monetti. “Even my grandmother would join us, and she didn’t speak English. I think she was able to get the humor from the demonstrative dialogue, and the physical acting of all the characters.”

At the same time, Brian is more than happy to oblige. “I really like watching people enjoy the hat and taking pictures with the Oscar,” he said.

Proud of His Iconic Father

He’s more than a fan, though. “I never heard anyone say anything negative about my father,” Carney revealed. "That makes me very proud.”

But like any father/son relationship, there were difficulties. As the elder put in time to build his career, there was less time to his children. Eventually, the passage of time allowed for a reconnection, and Brian still cherishes the how their relationship was able to flower. He now appreciates the predicament his father was in. Brian faced a similar challenge with his kids.

All good, Carney lets these get togethers give him the chance to remember too. “My father gave a lot of people happiness,” Carney said, and always looks forward to the next time he gets to share.