Popular Comedian David Brenner Dies At 78
LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Comedian David Brenner, a favorite of Johnny Carson's 'Tonight Show,' died Saturday at 78.
The report of Brenner's death was confirmed Saturday afternoon by his publicist, Jeff Abraham.
The Philadelphia-born Brenner became popular for making jokes about pop culture, politics, the news and most especially his large nose.
Brenner also loved making jokes about New York City. On his official site, "The number one complaint by cab drivers in New York, is the passengers defecating in the back seat of the cab. I have the solution...slow down!"
He made more than 150 appearances on "The Tonight Show" and guest hosted a number of times as well. In the 80s and early 90s, he was also a fixture on TV game shows.
TMZ reported Saturday that the comic was on his death bed battling an aggressive form of cancer that had spread rapidly.
Brenner, who hosted a syndicated talk show in 1987, was also a frequent guest on Howard Stern's radio show.
In his official bio, he recalled what he said when asked by a reporter what his career goal was. He replied "I want to make as many people laugh, as heartily as they can, for as long as I can."
According to his imdb.com bio, Brenner was married to former Olympic skaterTai Babilonia. That mention of their marriage also appears on her imdb.com bio and several other sources.
But late Saturday, on Brenner's own official website, there was a mention of him being surrounded at the time of his death by "his wife Ruth, his three sons Cole, Wyatt and Slade and his grandson, Wesley."
Ever the funnyman, his website said he died of "a sex-related injury" and that he wanted to be buried with $100 in small bills inside his left sock. "Just in case tipping is recommended where I'm going."
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
