The comedy world is mourning the loss of Freddie Roman, who died last week at the age of 85. A comic’s comic, Roman was the longtime dean of the Friars Club, the New York comedy institution famous for its roasts. As Roman told WHYY’s Fresh Air, he joined the Friars Club in 1969.
Roman’s daughter, Judi Levin, told Deadline that he died of a heart attack in Boynton Beach, FL, on Saturday, November 26. The comic is also survived by his wife, Ethel.
Born Fred Kirschenbaum, Roman grew up in New York City and started emceeing at the Catskills’ Crystal Spring Hotel, a resort his uncle and grandfather owned when he was 15. As a comedian, Roman made a name for himself not only in the Catskills but also performed at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and Bally’s Grand in Atlantic City, and he roasted the likes of Rob Reiner, Chevy Chase, Jerry Stiller, and Hugh Hefner.
Roman was a very active comedian throughout his life. He maintained his career up until the very end of his life when he became less involved in his later years. Roman not only served as a stand-up comedian, but he also worked as a talented writer, actor, and producer.
He also conceived of “Catskills on Broadway,” where he and his friends Dick Capri, Marilyn Michaels, and Mal Z. Lawrence brought their nostalgia-tinged, Catskills-flavored standup to New York. He also appeared in various television shows and films over the years, including “Red Oaks” on Amazon.
“A great loss to the world of comedy,” Paul Reiser wrote on Twitter. “He was such a huge supporter & mentor when I was starting out. A GREAT comic, the ultimate pro with the biggest heart. I will miss our phone calls and his big, beauty laugh.”
According to AWM, here are some funny quotes from Freddie Roman that never grow old include the following:
“Viagra keeps me from rolling out of bed.”
“Eleven years ago I became president for two years. I’m like the Fidel Castro of comedians. I’m president for life.”
“Mike Tyson is an interesting story. He’s the only person in America who’s driving a 250,000-dollar car, who actually made the license plates for that car.”
Freddie Roman will surely be missed.
