Budd Friedman, a comedy legend and founder of The Improv, has passed away at the age of 90, The Hollywood Improv reported Saturday.
“The comedy world lost a giant today,”The location Tweet. “In 1963 he changed the world of comedy by creating the first comedy club for the masses to come together in laughter. In 1963 he changed the world. He went global. He was a pioneer. He was a gentleman. He was a luminary.”
Friedman had just celebrated his 90th birthday at the comedy club’s Hollywood location.
Former advertising executive launchedIn 1963, the Improvisation was established in New York City as a place where Broadway performers could gather after shows. Despite not yet having a liquor license, the Broadway producer’s spot quickly attracted the likes of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli, who would sing alongside Peter Allen on the piano.
The Broadway hotspot first tried on its comedy kicks when comedian Dave Astor took the stage to try out new material and a slew of budding comedians, including Lily Tomlin, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, followed suit, vying for Friedman’s attention.
Friedman opened the New York club and launched many to stardom. Jay Leno was hired by Friedman to paint the ceiling.
As both locations boomed in the 1980s, A&E’s “An Evening at the Improv,”Friedman hosted the weekly show, which brought stand-up comedy to all corners of the country. During the successful decade, Friedman partnered with producer and director Mark Lonow to bring The Improv to San Diego, San Francisco, Brea, Irvine, Tempe, Washington D.C., Dallas, Addison, Cleveland, Miami, Las Vegas, Reno and London.
Friedman has also been a part in many comedies, including “Star 80,” “Mambo Café,” “The Boneyard Collection,” Funny People” and “Louie.”
Comedy icons like Rob Schneider, Whitney Cummings and Richard Lewis paid tribute to Friedman following the announcement of Friedman’s death.
Judd Apatow (door manager in New York) applauded Friedman’s achievement. “world much happier,”Adam Sandler, who performed at the venue, also thanked the founder. He said that he had given stage time to countless comedians and offered advice. “comedy home.”