Comedian Shelley Berman of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Dies at 92
Comedian Curb Your Enthusiasm," has died at age 92.
Deadline reports that Berman died early this morning of complications from Alzheimer's at his home in Bell Canyon, CA. His wife of 70 years, Sarah, was by his side.
From 2002 to 2009, Berman appeared as Larry David's father Nat on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," a role that allowed him to do some of his famous improv.
His other memorable roles include Adam Sandler's father in "Boston Legal." He also guest-starred on "The Twilight Zone," "The King of Queens," and "Pushing Daisies," and appeared in the films "The Holiday" and "Meet the Fockers."
Berman got his start in the '50s, where he was known as the "sit down" comic because he usually performed while seated on a stool. He's being remembered as a comedy pioneer who paved the way for comics Bob Newhart, Woody Allen, and Jerry Seinfeld.
His 1959 live record "Inside Shelley Berman," was the first comedy album be certified gold and was the first non-musical recording to win a Grammy Award, according to Variety.
Berman retired in 2014 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. A private service and a public memorial are being planned.