Dave Buresh/The Denver Post via Getty ImagesIt's a sad day in the world of comedy.
Sid Caesar, a legendary comic who has been responsible for bringing the laughs for decades, has died at 91 years old. Caesar's friend Larry King announced the news on Twitter, however, no further details were immediately available.
"Sorry to learn about the passing of Sid Caesar-a dear friend, a comic genius & an American classic- there will never be another one like him," King wrote.
The New York-born star began performing at nightclubs before becoming an television icon and pioneer, ultimately changing the course of TV forever. The sketch-comedy master launched a 90-minute Saturday night variety program, Your Show of Shows, which premiered in 1950, with a writing staff that included Woody Allen, Neil Simon, Mel Brooks and Larry Gelbart.
The live broadcast was such a hit that the show lasted for four years before being turned into Caesar's Hour from 1954 to 1957.
"I don't take myself too seriously," he told People magazine in 1989. "I just laugh at myself a lot and call myself a dummy."
Although famous for improvising on stage and the small screen, Caesar also made movies, including It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, where he played an accident-prone dentist, and Grease, playing the track coach.
Along with his career, the funnyman also found success in love. Caesar shared his life with Florence Levy from 1943 onward. The pair met when Sid was stationed in New York for the Coast Guard.
"They never thought he would amount to anything, that he'd never have a real career or make any money. But we were married one year after we met, in July of 1943," Florence Caesar told the couple's local paper, the Toluca Times, in Toluca Lake, Calif., in 2009.
The couple have two daughters and a son, Michele, Karen and Rick. The children survive Caear.
"I'm really, truly making it," Caesar told People when he turned 60. "It doesn't come in a flash but a little bit every day. I still need the Sidney part of me; he's funny, he jumps around, he has crazy ideas. But then the other me, Sid, comes in and says, 'That's enough, Sidney, I'm too punched out and I'm tired of being depressed.' Sid's the one who keeps Sidney in line."
Caesar has definitely left his mark in Hollywood, and celebs have taken to Twitter to remember the fallen star.
A childhood highlight was going to the taping of ?Your Show of Shows.? I?m just sorry I never had the opportunity to work with Sid Caesar.
? Joan Rivers (@Joan_Rivers) February 12, 2014Life...doing her thing, another great has passed Sid Caesar. Funny man We honored him at the very first Comic Relief. RIP turn turn turn
? Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) February 12, 2014RIP Sid Caesar. A pioneer and a genius.
? Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) February 12, 2014Rest in Peace Sid Caesar, true comedic genius.
? Phil Rosenthal (@whereslunchphil) February 12, 2014RIP Sid Caesar. One of the best. You will be missed. These old time guys were so funny, and kept people laughing thru many bad times.
? Larry The Cable Guy (@GitRDoneLarry) February 12, 2014