Budd Friedman, comedy membership pioneer and founding father of the unique Improv comedy membership, has died. He was 90. Friedman died Saturday of coronary heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Middle in Los Angeles, his spouse, Alix, advised The Hollywood Reporter.
Friedman based the unique Improv in New York Metropolis in 1963, giving early profession breaks to comedians and performing superstars like Jay Leno, Bette Midler, Richard Pryor and extra.
He opened his second location in Hollywood in 1975, simply three years after Johnny Carson moved “The Tonight Present” from New York to Los Angeles, marking the model’s first growth. Friedman and his accomplice, Mark Lonow, would go on to open 22 Improvs throughout 12 states earlier than promoting the corporate in February 2018 to Levity Leisure Group.
His comedy golf equipment additionally helped present a platform for superstars like Adam Sandler, Richard Lewis, Dick Cavett, David Steinberg, Steve Landesberg, David Brenner, Lily Tomlin, Freddie Prinze, Gabe Kaplan, Chris Rock, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Jerry Seinfeld, Judd Apatow, Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Larry David, Jimmy Fallon and lots of others.
Friedman’s skills prolonged past the Improv. In 1981, he produced and hosted “An Night on the Improv”, which aired on A&E till 1996. He additionally helped launch the American Comedy Awards and co-created “Nationwide Lampoon’s Humorous Cash” for the Recreation Present Community. He went on to seem as himself in Milos Forman’s 1999 movie, “Man on the Moon”, starring Jim Carrey and Judd Apatow’s “Humorous Individuals” in 2009. Friedman additionally co-authored a 2017 e-book, The Improv: An Oral Historical past of the Comedy Membership That Revolutionized Stand-Up.
Following information of his passing, tributes started pouring in, with the Hollywood Improv sharing a touching submit devoted to Friedman on Fb, together with a video compilation of moments and recollections from his time on the Improv over time.
“The comedy world misplaced an enormous in the present day,” the membership’s tribute to its founder started. “In 1963 he modified the world of comedy by creating the primary comedy membership for the plenty to return collectively in laughter. In 1963 he modified the world. He went international. He was a pioneer. He was a gentleman. He was a luminary.”
The submit continued, “Budd gave alternative and help to everybody who had the privilege of performing in entrance of that iconic brick wall. We stand dedicated to his imaginative and prescient. His affect is immeasurable, and his legacy will likely be felt in comedy for generations to return. He’ll endlessly be woven into the very cloth of American comedy. He’s actually the Godfather of stand-up comedy, and we’ll love and miss him with all of our hearts. Relaxation in peace, Budd. #outoftheaisle #buddfriedman.”
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” comic, Richard Lewis, additionally shared a tribute to Friedman, tweeting, “Budd Friedman handed tonight. In 1971, my father, a hero to me died younger. I used to be misplaced and located by this man who was a veritable kingmaker for a lot of younger comedians at his famed Improv. In some ways he was a lifesaver. I cherished him and his household RIP pal. RL🙏.”
In addition to actor and comic, Jimmie Walker, who advised mirrored on his 50-year relationship in a press release to ET, “Budd Friedman is likely one of the most influential folks within the Comedy trade. He’s liable for most of the prime skills, Jay Leno, Robert Klein, Bette Midler, Danny Aiello, Andy Kaufman, Liza Minnelli, Richard Pryor and lots of, many extra. He supported me and helped in my on-going growth by the years, I’m proud and honoured to have had a 50-year relationship with a legend Budd Friedman.”
Adam Sandler additionally mirrored on Friedman’s legacy, thanking the membership proprietor for offering a “comedy residence” for him and so many comics.
“Budd Friedman. Can’t thank this man sufficient for what he gave to all of us. A comedy residence. All of the stage time. All the guidelines. All of the encouragement,” Sandler wrote alongside a pic of the pair. “A spot for comedians to hang around and discuss nothing however comedy. No place just like the improv. Nobody like this man. Nice to so many. Considering of Bud and his household in the present day with a lot love and appreciation.”
Friedman is survived by his spouse, Alix, youngsters Zoe, Dax, Beth and Ross and his grandchildren Noah, Sophia, Jacob, Bronte and Gibson.
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