My mother and father were very strange people. They tried to be funny which is always very sad to me.

In this quote, Jonathan Winters reflects on his parents' attempts to be funny, which he describes as "very sad." Winters, known for his own sharp humor and improvisational style, seems to view his parents' efforts to make others laugh as somewhat forced or inauthentic. His choice of the word "sad" suggests that he felt their attempts at humor lacked genuine spontaneity, which may have made them appear more awkward than humorous.

The phrase "very strange people" further implies that Winters found his parents’ behavior to be unusual or difficult to understand. This could suggest a sense of disconnect between Winters and his parents, as their sense of humor didn’t align with his own. The mention of them "trying" to be funny underscores the difference between intent and execution—it wasn’t that his parents lacked a sense of humor, but rather that their attempts to be funny didn’t feel natural or successful in his eyes.

Winters' comment can also reflect a broader perspective on the nature of humor. He seems to imply that humor should come from a place of authenticity and not be forced. For him, the most effective humor is organic and flows naturally, whereas his parents' attempts may have seemed more like performances or awkward efforts to meet societal expectations.

Ultimately, this quote sheds light on Winters' own perspective on humor. It suggests that he values humor that feels spontaneous and effortless, rather than something that is tried too hard. His reflection on his parents’ attempts at comedy also offers a glimpse into his relationship with them, revealing a certain emotional distance based on differing views of what makes something genuinely funny.