Shecky Greene, a legendary slapstick comedian who turned one among Las Vegas’ high headliners within the Nineteen Fifties and ’60s has died. Greene died Sunday morning of pure causes at his dwelling in Las Vegas, his spouse Miriam Musso Greene confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He was 97.
Born and raised on the North Side of Chicago, Greene started his comedy profession on the Prevue Lounge in New Orleans, Louisiana, later shifting on to golf equipment in Miami, Chicago, and Reno/Lake Tahoe and ultimately Las Vegas the place he opened for Dorothy Shay in 1954, the “Park Avenue Hillbillie” on the Last Frontier. In 1957, he opened as a headliner at The Tropicana Hotel, the place he remained for the following 5 years. Remaining a stalwart on the Las Vegas stage, his remaining look got here in 2011 on the South Point Showroom.
Throughout his profession, Greene appeared in a number of movies, together with Tony Rome; History of the World, Part I; and Splash. He most not too long ago appeared within the 2000 movie The Last Producer. He additionally visitor starred on tv exhibits together with Mad About You, Northern Exposure, Roseanne, The Law & Harry McGraw, Laverne & Shirley, Love, America Style amongst others.
Johnny Carson was a longtime fan of Greene. The comic made 40 appearances on The Tonight Show, on which he additionally served as a visitor host. He additionally appeared on The Merv Griffin Show, the place he additionally guest-hosted.
In his later years, Greene suffered from debilitating stage fright and panic assaults, which prevented him from performing for a number of years.
“I was a manic depressive,” he informed The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2009. “Then I developed panic attacks, and I worked with people who never knew it. I’d get a standing ovation, then I’d burst out crying as soon as I left the stage. I wanted to get out of show business so bad at that time. But when you’re making $100,000 a week and supporting 12 bookies and a wife — it’s difficult.”
In March 2020, Greene was inducted into the National Comedy Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Las Vegas.
In addition to his spouse Miriam, he’s survived by two daughters, two sisters-in-law, a nephew and nieces.