David Norris Brenner (February 4, 1936 – March 15, 2014) was an American stand-up comedian, actor and author. The most frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in the 1970s and 80s, Brenner was a pioneer in the genre of observational comedy.
Brenner was a writer, director or producer of 115 television documentaries and headed the documentary units of Westinghouse Broadcasting and Metromedia, winning nearly 30 awards including an Emmy, before moving to comedy. His first paid gig was at The Improv in June 1969, and then frequently performed at clubs in Greenwich Village. After making his national television debut in 1971, on the The Tonight Show, he became the show’s most frequent guest, with 158 appearances. He guest-hosted for Johnny Carson 75 times between 1975 and 1984, putting him fifth on the list of Carson’s favorite and most frequent guest hosts. Brenner was ranked No. 53 on Comedy Central Presents: 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time. “At one point, he had appeared more often on major TV talk shows than any other entertainer. He also wrote five books, and starred in four HBO Specials.
David Brenner cause of death
Brenner died on March 15, 2014, at the age of 78 from cancer at his Manhattan home. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, his three sons, Cole, Wyatt, Slade and his grandson, Wesley.
David Brenner on The Tonight Show