Legendary Las Vegas Comedian Shecky Greene, Renowned for Sinatra and Presley Collaborations, Passes Away at 97
Las Vegas bids farewell to a comedy icon as Shecky Greene, the legendary standup comedian celebrated for his extensive career headlining in the city and sharing the stage with Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, passed away on December 31 at the age of 97, peacefully at his Las Vegas home, as confirmed by his wife, Marie Musso Greene.
Greene, a fixture on television talk shows during the 1960s and ’70s, became a household name with his witty humor and distinctive style. Recognized for his recurring appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and serving as the opening act for Sinatra in Miami and Presley in Las Vegas, Greene’s comedic legacy spans decades of entertainment.
His television credits include notable shows like “Combat,” “Love, American Style,” “The Love Boat,” and “Fantasy Island,” among others. Greene’s film career boasts roles in “Splash,” Mel Brooks’ “History of the World: Part I,” and “Tony Rome.”
Shecky Greene, legendary Las Vegas headliner, dead at 97 https://t.co/hIowdPgduL pic.twitter.com/eOn9zOzc9C
— New York Post (@nypost) December 31, 2023
Hailing from the Chicago area, Greene’s comedic journey began in Milwaukee while attending college. Martha Raye discovered him, leading to his debut at her Miami nightclub. His return to Chicago saw performances at the famed Chez Paree nightclub.
While his partnership with Sinatra inspired many jokes, Greene’s life took a public turn in 1968 when he drove his Oldsmobile into a fountain outside Caesars Palace while under the influence. Despite facing mental health and substance abuse challenges, Greene made a triumphant comeback in the 1990s, impressively filling the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles.
A Las Vegas resident since the 1950s, Greene’s association with the city was marked by performances at iconic venues like the New Frontier casino. Known for his spontaneous and unscripted performances, he was revered among comedians for his ability to connect with audiences.
Tony Angellotti, a longtime friend, and former PR representative highlighted Greene’s innate talent, recalling, “He never wrote down a joke, never bought a joke, just conjured them, remembered them and performed them.” Angellotti emphasized Greene’s genuine love for entertaining and making people laugh, describing it as a gift he shared with the world.
Survived by his wife Marie and five adult children, Greene’s impact on the comedy scene, particularly in Las Vegas, will be remembered as a testament to his enduring passion for making people smile.