Elizabeth Brenner

David Brenner, born February 4, 1936, was an American comedian, actor, and author celebrated for his pioneering work in observational comedy. He was a highly frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, establishing himself as a prominent figure in stand-up. Before his comedy career, Brenner served in the U.S. Army and graduated with honors from Temple University, where he studied mass communication. He also had a significant career in television production, heading documentary units and winning numerous awards, including an Emmy, before transitioning to stand-up in 1969.

Brenner's comedy career saw him achieve widespread recognition, including being ranked among the greatest stand-up comedians and appearing more often on major TV talk shows than many other entertainers. He authored five books and starred in four HBO specials. His television work included hosting his own late-night talk show, 'Nightlife,' and starring in the sitcom 'Snip,' which was notably pulled before broadcast due to concerns over a gay character. Brenner also appeared on numerous other television programs and had a stint hosting a radio talk show. He passed away on March 15, 2014, at the age of 78.

Born to Jewish parents in 1936 and raised in Philadelphia, David Brenner's father was a vaudeville performer who curtailed his career due to religious objections. Brenner's own parents later passed away at advanced ages while on cruises. Following high school, he served two years in the U.S. Army, including a role as a cryptographer in Germany. He then attended Temple University, graduating with honors in mass communication. Before his comedy career, Brenner was a prolific television producer, involved in 115 documentaries and leading documentary units for major broadcasting companies, earning nearly 30 awards, including an Emmy.

Brenner's transition to stand-up comedy began in 1969 with his first paid performance at The Improv, quickly becoming a regular in Greenwich Village clubs. He gained significant national exposure as a frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, making 158 appearances and serving as guest host 75 times. His comedic style was described as "hip, observational comedy." He was recognized on Comedy Central's list of the 100 Greatest Stand-Ups. Beyond stand-up, Brenner authored five books, including "Soft Pretzels With Mustard" and "I Think There's a Terrorist in My Soup," and starred in four HBO specials. He also hosted a syndicated late-night talk show, 'Nightlife,' and a radio program.

Brenner's national television debut was on The Tonight Show in 1971, leading to his record-breaking appearances. He starred in the 1976 sitcom 'Snip,' inspired by 'Shampoo,' which was controversially shelved by NBC due to a gay character, a decision Brenner later attributed to network fears about on-screen representation. He also hosted 'Nightlife,' a syndicated late-night talk show that aimed to rival Carson's program. In addition to 'The Tonight Show,' Brenner appeared on many other prominent talk shows, including 'Late Night with David Letterman' and 'Real Time With Bill Maher.' His film credits include a role in the 1989 romantic comedy 'Worth Winning' and his own workout video.

David Brenner was the father of three sons: Cole, Slade, and Wyatt. He engaged in custody battles for his sons, which led him to significantly reduce his stand-up appearances to comply with family court requirements. He married Elizabeth Slater in 2000, with whom he had Slade and Wyatt, but they divorced a little over a year later after two custody battles, both won by Brenner. He was briefly engaged to Tai Babilonia. Brenner lived in Las Vegas for a period in the 2000s. He died on March 15, 2014, at age 78, from pancreatic cancer at his home in Manhattan.

“They made up all kinds of excuses, but the reason Snip was pulled is we had an actor who was gay and who played a gay part. They were afraid to have a gay on television.”

“Well, yes I am.”