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Shecky Greene, a legendary stand-up comedian who became one of Las Vegas’ top headliners in the 1950s and ’60s has died. Greene died Sunday morning of natural causes at his home in Las Vegas, his wife Miriam Musso Greene confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He was 97.
Born and raised on the North Side of Chicago, Greene began his comedy career at the Prevue Lounge in New Orleans, Louisiana, later moving on to clubs in Miami, Chicago, and Reno/Lake Tahoe and eventually Las Vegas where he opened for Dorothy Shay in 1954, the “Park Avenue Hillbillie” at the Last Frontier. In 1957, he opened as a headliner at The Tropicana Hotel, where he remained for the next five years. Remaining a stalwart on the Las Vegas stage, his final appearance came in 2011 at the South Point Showroom.
Throughout his career, Greene appeared in several films, including Tony Rome; History of the World, Part I; and Splash. He most recently appeared in the 2000 film The Last Producer. He also guest starred on television shows including Mad About You, Northern Exposure, Roseanne, The Law & Harry McGraw, Laverne & Shirley, Love, America Style among others.
Johnny Carson was a longtime fan of Greene. The comedian made 40 appearances on The Tonight Show, on which he also served as a guest host. He also appeared on The Merv Griffin Show, where he also guest-hosted.
In his later years, Greene suffered from debilitating stage fright and panic attacks, which prevented him from performing for several years.
“I was a manic depressive,” he told The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2009. “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.”
In March 2020, Greene was inducted into the National Comedy Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Las Vegas.
In addition to his wife Miriam, he is survived by two daughters, two sisters-in-law, a nephew and nieces.
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