Hollywood's one of the most iconic comedian, Shecky Greene passed away at the age of 97. Known for his several appearances and guest-hosting gigs on 'The Tonight Show' Starring Johnny Carson, Greene's work also extended to film and other television projects, including movies such as 'History of the World, Part I' and programs like 'Combat!' and 'Laverne & Shirley.'
his manager Howard Rapp confirmed the news for the popular magazine 'PEOPLE.'
Greene's widow, Marie Musso Greene told the Review-Journal that her husband died of natural causes on Sunday morning, noting that he "always made humor out of whatever he could."
"He was a brilliant Comedian. He lead off for 7 years and came back for his first show at Kutchers Hotel and worked in many large venues again,” Rapp said of Greene in a statement to PEOPLE. “He loved entertaining again. I spoked to him last week and we had a fun talk and he finished with a song that included my name."Rapp concluded, "Many people will miss this TALENT."
Greene, perhaps best known for his stand-up and as a pioneering lounge act, worked alongside the likes of Frank Sinatra during his extensive career. Frequently appearing on talk and game shows from the 1950s through 1970s, he notably guested on 'The Tonight Show' extensively throughout Carson's run. As Per Variety, he was a guest on more than 60 episodes of the program.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Greene began his six decades in Vegas when he opened for Dorothy Shay in 1954, and later celebrated his final ticketed performances in the city in 2011.
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