Beloved Comedian Shecky Greene, Pioneer of the Vegas Lounge Act, Passes Away at 97

Las Vegas mourns the loss of iconic comedian Shecky Greene, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 97 in his Las Vegas home. His widow, Marie Musso Greene, confirmed that he died of natural causes. Known for his tuxedo-wearing style and masterful crowd work, Greene revolutionized the Vegas lounge act scene and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Born Fred Sheldon Greenfield on April 8, 1926, in Chicago, Greene's journey to stardom was anything but conventional. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he initially pursued a career as a gym teacher, attending community college. However, his true passion for comedy emerged when he teamed up with Sammy Shore, the future co-founder of The Comedy Store in Los Angeles.

In 1953, Greene made a life-changing decision to relocate to Las Vegas. It was there that he opened for Dorothy Shay, famously known as the "Park Avenue Hillbillie." This opportunity proved to be the turning point in his career, as he was soon performing alongside renowned bandleader Xavier Cugat and even introduced a young Elvis Presley during his Vegas debut in 1956.

Greene's talent and charisma caught the attention of none other than Frank Sinatra himself, who enlisted him as his opening act. However, their relationship was complicated, with Greene admitting to having a "love/hate relationship" with the legendary crooner. He often joked that Sinatra once saved his life, stepping in to stop a group of men from assaulting him.

Despite his immense success, Greene battled with stage fright and mental health issues throughout his career. In a candid interview with the Las Vegas Sun in 1996, he revealed his struggles with manic depression and panic attacks. Behind the scenes, he grappled with the pressure of being a top Vegas headliner, earning a staggering $100,000 per week while supporting a large entourage and dealing with an alcohol problem.

Greene's impact extended beyond the stage, as he made appearances in various films and television shows. Notably, he guest-hosted "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" in 1976 and appeared in movies such as “Tony Rome” (1967), "History of the World Part I" (1981), and “Splash” (1984). Additionally, he showcased his comedic talents on popular sitcoms like "Laverne & Shirley," "Roseanne," and "Mad About You."

In recognition of his contributions to comedy, Greene was posthumously inducted into the National Comedy Hall of Fame in 2020, solidifying his status as a true legend in the industry. Since news of his passing broke, fans have flooded social media with heartfelt condolences and fond memories of the comedian. One fan, expressing their grief, wrote, "Farewell Shecky Greene, one of the most brilliant comics ever and a lifelong friend of the family. We'll be seeing you..."

Reflecting on his legacy, it is clear that Shecky Greene's unique style, wit, and ability to connect with audiences will be sorely missed. His impact on the world of comedy will continue to inspire future generations of performers, ensuring that his memory lives on.