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Shecky Greene, whose stand-up career made him a Las Vegas legend and a name synonymous with laughter, died at his home on New Year’s Eve. He was 97 years old.
Green died of natural causes, his wife said. Las Vegas Review Journal.
This cartoonist lived in Las Vegas for over 70 years. He began his career in 1954 opening for Dorothy Shea on New His Frontier.
Along the way, he worked with Elvis Presley (who actually opened for Green in 1956, although he wasn’t getting much attention yet) and sparred with Frank Sinatra. Frank Sinatra is the man who once saved Greene’s life after calling out his own men who were attacking him. A crushing defeat at Fontainebleau.
“Frank Sinatra saved my life. Five guys were beating me, and Frank said, ‘Okay, he’s had enough,'” Green recalled. He loved me but we hated each other. I didn’t love him. I was far from loving him. But I respected him for who he was. ”
During his heyday in the ’60s, Green earned $10,000 a week.
Green’s career also included guest hosting “The Tonight Show” during the Johnny Carson era, including a memorable role as Braddock on the TV series “Combat!”. ‘ (1962-1963), films ‘Tony Roma’ (1967), ‘Love Machine’ (1971), ‘The Dog Who Saved Hollywood’ (1976), ‘ Appeared in “World History: Part 2”. I” (1981), “Splash” (1984), etc.
Later sitcom guest appearances included “Laverne & Shirley” (1983), “Roseanne” (1995) and “Mad About You” (1997).
Green is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Marie, and two children.
