KFC prank tweaks tradition
Comedian and TV star David Alan Grier touched off a firestorm when he tweeted that he was next in line to portray KFC’s founder and icon, Colonel Harland Sanders. Was the chicken chain really going to break with 80 years of tradition by enlisting an African-American to play the whiter-than-rice Kentucky gent? Was it political correctness run amok?
Some media believed it. So did many denizens of the Twitter-verse, who were both pro and con on the idea.
Even KFC played along to a degree, suggesting in tweets that it would like to discuss Grier’s interest in the Colonel over a $5 Fill Up meal, the chain’s current bargain deal. But eventually it felt obliged to issue a statement dashing the speculation and explaining that it was just some good-natured joshing from Grier.
Meanwhile, the Colonel continues to be portrayed by a parade of white comedians. The white suit and string tie are currently being worn by Jim Gaffigan.