Budd Friedman, the comedy club pioneer who founded the original Improv in New York in 1963, and a Loving Husband who gave early career breaks to the likes of Jay Leno, Robert Klein, Bette Midler, Richard Pryor, and Andy Kaufman, has died. He was 90 years old at the time of his death. Know more about him in the following paragraphs.
Budd Friedman Wife: Meet Alix Friedman
Budd Friedman, the founder of the original Improv comedy club and a pioneer in the comedy industry, was married to Alix Friedman. The couple was together long enough to have four children together.
Alix was more than just a supportive spouse. According to Budd, Alix was the one who saw potential in comedians like Adam Sandler, Sandra Bernhard, and Rita Rudner when he didn’t.
Despite the devastating loss of her husband, Alix spoke fondly of their life together and the impact Budd had on the world of comedy. She told The Hollywood Reporter that Budd had a contagious sense of humor and always had a positive outlook on life.
On November 12, 2022, Budd passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at the age of 90 from heart failure. His wife, Alix, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, stating that his legacy will live on through the countless comedians whose careers he launched and the millions of people he made laugh over the years.
In the wake of Budd’s passing, his family and fans of comedy around the world are in mourning. National Comedy Center executive director Journey Gunderson summed up the sentiments of many when she said, “Budd Friedman’s influence on live stand-up comedy is immeasurable. From the opening of his original Improv in New York nearly 60 years ago, which ushered in stand-up comedy clubs across the country, to his much-beloved club on Melrose, Budd has always been stand-up comedy’s most important cheerleader, coach, and master of ceremonies.”
Budd’s wife Alix, along with their children Zoe, Dax, Beth, and Ross, and their grandchildren Noah, Sophia, Jacob, Bronte, and Gibson, survive him. While Budd may no longer be with us, his legacy in the world of comedy will undoubtedly continue to bring laughter and joy to millions for years to come.
How Did Budd Friedman Die?
Budd Friedman died at the ripe old age of 90 year old. Budd passed away at Saturday of heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his wife, Alix has also told The Hollywood Reporter.
Survivors have also include Alix, whom he got hitched in 1981 — his second wife saw potential in Adam Sandler, Sandra Bernhard, and Rita Rudner when he didn’t, he has also noted — children Zoe (a veteran comedy exec at Warner Bros.), Dax (a Disney sales exec), Beth and Ross; and grandchildren Noah, Sophia, Jacob, Bronte, and Gibson.
“Budd Friedman’s influence on live stand-up comedy is immeasurable,” National Comedy Center executive director Journey Gunderson has also said in a statement. “From the opening of his original Improv in New York nearly 60 years ago, which ushered in stand-up comedy clubs across the country, to his much-beloved club on Melrose, Budd has always been stand-up comedy’s most important cheerleader, coach, and master of ceremonies.”
As of now his family and all the fans of comedy are in deep shock and presently grieving for Budd. Our team wishes the eternal soul of the late great Budd Friedman will find peace in the almighty heavens. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, relatives, and close pals.
Budd Friedman Career and Life in Detail
Budd Friedman is well known American actor and comedian, and founder and main owner and MC of the Improvisation Comedy Club, which came out in 1963, at West 44th Street which is near the SE corner of 9th Avenue, in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.
He was the main guy which opened the comedy careers of Rodney Dangerfield, Richard Lewis, Robert Klein, Jay Leno, Andy Kaufman, Freddie Prinze, Steve Landesberg, and many more and for a short time, he also managed Bette Midler in the early stages of her professional career.
It was with Friedman’s help and guidance that Ms. Midler first appeared on The Tonight Show. He was also an actor and a fine producer. Friedman also opened Improv clubs at other locations that also include Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, on March 23, 2007, in Los Angeles in 1975, and in Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino which is situated in Indio, California.
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Before becoming a famed American actor and comedian; Friedman also served in the infantry in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was fatally wounded and grievously hurt by an enemy grenade during his first day in 1953 while his unit was attacking Pork Chop Hill. He was also awarded the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB). The ceasefire went into effect while he was still recovering in the hospital.
