Shecky Greene, the comedian who worked with Frank Sinatra and Elvis, passed away at the age of 97.

He was an icon of Vegas as a headliner on The Strip. Also, he was a Johnny Carson favorite, appearing on the show over 40 times, Deadline reports.

Shecky Greene passes away at 97

The comedian was born and raised in Chicago and began his comedy at the Prevue Lounge in New Orleans, Louisiana. From there, he performed at clubs in Chicago, Miami, and elsewhere before landing in Vegas, where he eventually became headliner at the Tropicana Hotel.

He was the opening act for Sinatra in Miami and Presley in Las Vegas, Variety states. Additionally, he appeared on the ABC drama Combat. He also appeared in Love, American Style, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Laverne & Shirley, The Fall Guy, The A-Team, Trapper John, MD, Rosanne, and Mad About You.

Article Continues Below
More Entertainment News
Damson Idris and Brad Pitt in the new Formula 1 movie F1.
F1 review: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris go full Brett Farve-Aaron Rodgers in thrilling movieAndrew Korpan ·
Olandria Carthen, an HBCU alumna from Tuskegee University, has joined the cast of Peacock's 'Love Island' Season 7.
‘Love Island’ Recap: Why my HBCU sister Olandria has me confusedRandall Barnes ·
WWE legend Dave Bautista, who will star in a rom-com movie.
WWE legend Dave Bautista finally gets rom-com wishAndrew Korpan ·
Singer Bob Dylan, who performed signature song The Times They Are A-Changin' on the 2025 Outlaw Fest tour.
Signature Bob Dylan song played for first time in 15 years at Outlaw FestAndrew Korpan ·
WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes in between company's logo and Netflix, who announced the release date of the documentary series Unreal.
Netflix announces release date of groundbreaking WWE: Unreal seriesAndrew Korpan ·
Taylor Swift, who surprised fans with her first live performance in six months at Travis Kelce's Tight End University event, on Eras Tour.
Taylor Swift shocks fans with first live performance since Eras TourAndrew Korpan ·

Along with being on Carson's The Tonight Show, he also guest-hosted The Mike Douglas Show and The Merv Griffin Show.

The comedian had issues with mental health and substance abuse. Famously, in 1968, he crashed his car into Caesars Palace's fountain due to being drunk.

Later in his career, he suffered from stage fright. He talked about it in the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2009.

“I was a manic depressive,” he said. “Then I developed panic attacks, and I worked with people who never knew it. I'd get a standing ovation; then I'd burst out crying as soon as I left the stage. I wanted to get out of show business so bad at that time. But when you're making $100,000 a week and supporting 12 bookies and a wife — it's difficult.”

Despite some difficulties in life, he had an amazing career. Shecky was inducted into the National Comedy Hall of Fame in 2020.

RIP Shecky Greene.