Robert De Niro touts Catskills with Gov. Cuomo

BETHEL, N.Y. (AP) — Robert De Niro is conjuring the legacy — and the stand-up jokes — of comedians like Rodney Dangerfield, Henny Youngman and Milton Berle while praising the natural beauty of New York's Catskills region.

Appearing with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday, the actor, who owns property in the area, rattled off several one-liners made famous by the comedians who regularly appeared at Catskills resorts in the mid-20th century.

Most of the resorts closed decades ago, and Cuomo says there may be no region in New York that has more potential to grow as a tourist destination.

The Democratic governor also announced new funding for efforts to encourage tourism in the area.