Sammy Shore (February 7, 1927 – May 18, 2019)[1] was an American actor, stand-up comedian and co-founder of The Comedy Store.[2]
Sammy Shore | |
---|---|
Born | February 7, 1927 Schenectady, New York, U.S. |
Died | May 18, 2019 (aged 92) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
Spouses | |
Children | 4, including Pauly Shore |
Shore began his career doing stand-up comedy with Shecky Greene in the Catskill Mountains.[3] He was chosen, in 1969, to open for Elvis Presley’s comeback performance at the International Hotel, Las Vegas. He then opened for Elvis’ road shows until 1972.[4] Shore continued to perform comedy, opening for Tony Orlando, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Sammy Davis Jr. and others.[5] Shore served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.[6][7]
On April 7, 1972, he founded the Comedy Store with his writing partner Rudy De Luca.[3] In 1974, his ex-wife, Mitzi, became the owner of the club.[8] The club launched the careers of many comedians including Rodney Dangerfield, David Letterman, Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey and others including his own son, Pauly.[9]
Shore appeared in many films including The Bellboy with Jerry Lewis and both Life Stinks and History of the World Part 1 from Mel Brooks.[10] He appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and was on Sanford and Son.[11]
Shore was voted Best Comedy Act in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors named a day after him on July 24, 1990. He appeared at Harrah's Casinos and hotels more than any other entertainer.[12]
Shore was married to Mitzi for 24 years, and was the father of four, including actor and comedian Pauly Shore.[3][13] Shore married Suzanne Dennie in 1990. She was Miss Alabama in 1970.[14] They remained together until his death in Las Vegas, Nevada of natural causes at the age of 92.[15]
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