Improv comedy theater founder Budd Friedman has died at the age of 90

Broadway producer and improv theater founder Budd Friedman died of heart failure at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday at the age of 90.

The Hollywood improviser announced his death in a tweet.

“The comedy world lost a giant today,” the statement said.

“In 1963 he changed the world of comedy by founding the first comedy club that brought the masses together for a laugh. In 1963 he changed the world. He went global. He was a pioneer. He was a gentleman. He was a luminary.”

Friedman’s legacy is carried on by the 22 improv venues, including New York City’s flagship venue at West 44th Street and Ninth Avenue, established in 1963.

Entertainers Jay Leno, Robert Klein, Bette Midler, Richard Pryor and Andy Kaufman also performed at Friedman’s New York Comedy Club.

The success of this club led to the formation of several other clubs across the United States.

“That’s how Dave Astor turned me into a comedy genius, ladies and gentlemen,” Friedman once said.

“I didn’t have the idea of ​​opening [a venue] for comics. I got tired of singers singing the same songs over and over again, but I could listen to a comic repeating the same jokes over and over because there was always a nuance I could pick up.”

Comic Richard Lewis paid tribute to the ex-comedian on Twitter.

“Budd Friedman passed away tonight. In 1971 my father, a hero to me, died young,” the comic tweeted.

“I was lost and found by this man who was a veritable kingmaker for many young comedians in his famous improv theatre. In many ways he was a life saver. I loved him and his family. RIP buddy.”

Friedman leaves behind his wife, three children and five grandchildren.