Philadelphia born funnyman David Brenner lost his battle to cancer on Saturday. Long time publicist and friend, Jeff Abraham, reported that Brenner died peacefully at his New York City home with his family by his side. He was 78.
Best known as a stand-up comic and favorite guest on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," Brenner held a very long career that consisted of many guest appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Daily Show" and "Late show With David Letterman." He had his own HBO comedy special, "David Brenner: Back With a Vengeance!" and wrote five books.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, he made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show" on Jan. 8, 1971, which catapulted his career.
"Everything was perfect. You couldn't write a better scenario," Brenner said. "The next day, I had $10,000 worth of job offers. I never thought this was going to turn my whole life around."
Brenner's final resting spot will read, "If this is supposed to be a joke -- then I don't get it!'"
Watch David Brenner's debut on "The Tonight Show" below.
[via THR]
