Comedian David Brenner Dead at 78

Famed funnyman, known for his hilarious standups on the Tonight Show, passed away in New York City

By Brandi Fowler Mar 16, 2014 2:01 AMTags
David BrennerHarry Langdon/Getty Images

Comedian David Brenner has died at the age of 78.

The funnyman, known for his standups on the Tonight Show, passed away "after a courageous battle with his final dragon, cancer," his rep Jeff Abraham told Us Weekly. "Brenner died peacefully at his home in NYC surrounded by his family at his side. David is survived by his wife, Ruth, his three sons, Cole, Wyatt, Slade and his grandson, Wesley."

According to the mag, Brenner's final resting spot will read, "If this is supposed to be a joke—then I don't get it!" He also asked that one hundred dollars in small bills be placed in his left sock "just in case tipping is recommended where I'm going."

In addition to his 150-plus appearances on the Tonight Show, Brenner also was a regular on other TV talk shows and game shows and starred in four HBO comedy specials. He had also been working steadily through 2013 doing standup, with his last gig in December, which included a New Year's Eve show at a King of Prussia, Pennsylvania casino-resort, according to USA Today.

Upon hearing of the news of his death, fellow comedians Bobby Slayton, Joan Rivers and Richard Lewis, among others, shared their tributes to the late star.

"RIP David Brenner. I adored him, and laughed more with him than anyone," The E! Fashion Police host tweeted. "Sad, sad, sad. Knowing David, he's now making the devil laugh."

"David Brenner was a huge star when I met him and he took me under his wing. To me, historically, he was the godfather of hip, observational comedy," Lewis said in a statement to USA Today. "He mentored me from day one. ... His passing leaves a hole in my life that can never be replaced."

"One of my best friends and a great comic is gone," Slayton added on his personal Facebook account. "David Brenner was always there for me and one of the first people to put me on national TV and was always around to give me great advice whether I wanted it or not. Always full of funny stories and and made my years in Vegas richer  and gave me a reason to get off the strip and find new restaurants! My condolences to his family and all the people who had the pleasure of David in their lives. I miss him so much already. Rest in peace pal."