Comedian David Brenner, who had a record number of 'Tonight Show' appearances, is dead at 78. Here, Brenner at 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' on January 26, 1976.
Comedian David Brenner, a late-night TV fixture who holds the record for the most “Tonight Show” guest appearances, died Saturday. He was 78.
Brenner died at his home in New York City surrounded by his children, a family representative said.
The Pennsylvania native was considered the father of observational comedy, a form of humor that relied on impromptu quips rather than canned jokes.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Brenner shot to fame in 1971 after becoming a late-night TV favorite.
RICK MAIMAN/ASSOCIATED PRESS
David Brenner is survived by his third wife, former champion pairs skater Tai Babilonia, 54, and his three children.
He is believed to have appeared 158 times on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
Brenner is credited with inspiring countless comedians, including Richard Lewis.
“David Brenner was a huge star when I met him and he took me under his wing,” Lewis said.
ETHAN MILLER/REUTERS
David Brenner performing at the sold-out 'Las Vegas Salutes the Spirit of America' show on Nov. 11, 2001.
“To me, historically, he was the godfather of ‘hip, observational comedy.’ He mentored me from Day 1. He was family to me in the deepest, most supportive sense. His passing leaves a hole in my life that can never be replaced.”
Even in the twilight of his life, Brenner kept performing.
A fixture in Las Vegas, he continued doing standup across the country well into his 70s.
NBC/NBCU PHOTO BANK VIA GETTY IMAGES
(From left) Actors Michael Caine, Sean Connery, comedian David Brenner and host Johnny Carson on the Dec. 5, 1975, episode of the 'Tonight Show.'
He performed at the Metropolitan Room in 2012, his first major performance in New York in nearly 20 years.
One of his last performances was a four-day gig in December including a New Year’s Eve show at a casino-resort in King of Prussia, Pa.
In his prime, Brenner appeared in game shows and starred in four HBO comedy specials.
Brenner’s death triggered a flood of online tributes.
STEPHEN SIGOLOFF/AP
A promotional photo for David Brenner's 'Back with a Vengeance,' which aired on HBO in February 2000. Brenner starred in four HBO comedy specials.
“R.I.P. David Brenner,” producer Alan Zweibel posted on Twitter.
“I will always remember the laughs and your incredibly generous spirit. It was an honor to have you in my life.”
In a December interview, Brenner reflected on his first appearance on “The Tonight Show.”
“I never thought this was going to turn my life upside down and give me my whole future.”
Brenner is survived by his third wife, pairs skating champion Tai Babilonia, 54, and three children — Slade, Wyatt and Cole
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