Thread by @TheComedyStore

Sammy Shore, the legendary stand-up comedian, passed away peacefully of natural causes at the age of 92 in his home in Las Vegas, surrounded by his wife, Suzanne, and family.

Sammy and his writing partner, Rudy Deluca, founded the world-famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles on April 7, 1972. It would become the premier stand-up comedy club in the world.

Sammy’s almost 70-year career as a stand-up began in the Catskills when he and Shecky Greene were thrown together as a comedy team.  However, when Elvis chose him to open for his comeback at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1974, Sammy’s reputation skyrocketed.

Over the next seven years, he opened for Elvis’ International Hotel and road shows.
Over his storied career, Sammy opened for Tony Orlando, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tom Jones, Ann-Margaret, Connie Stevens, Bobby Darin, and Glen Campbell.

It would probably be easier to list those for whom he did not open for; Sammy was their star, and they chose him time and again to open for them.
While living in Los Angeles, he was honored to become a member of the famous “Friars Club,” where he would lunch

daily with dear friends and comedy legends Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, and Red Buttons, as well as participate in their infamous “roasts.”
Over the last twenty-years, Sammy was particularly proud to tour and perform with his son, Pauly, the only father/son comedians to do so.

He was voted Best Comedy Act in Atlantic City by the Atlantic City Press, and on July 24, 1990, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors proclaimed that day “Sammy Shore Day.”

He also earned the distinction of being the only comedian who worked Harrah’s Casinos and Hotels more than any other entertainer.

Sammy was an accomplished author: “The Warm-Up,” “70 Sucks!” (which he won five Drama Logue Theatre Awards and Critics Choice Award) and “The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh.”

Before his death, he was putting the finishing touches on yet another titled, “Last Comic Sitting (Confessions of a Pissed-Off Comic).
He recorded several albums: “Brother Sam, Come Heal With Me,” and “70 Sucks, But 80 is Worse,” to name a few.

He also wrote and performed in several one-man shows, appeared in numerous films such as “The Bellboy” with Jerry Lewis and “Life Stinks” with Mel Brooks.  He was a guest on the Tony Orlando and Pointer Sisters’ TV shows, as well as Redd Foxx’s “Sanford and Son.”

However, he was most proud of his appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, as you had “arrived” if asked to appear on Ed’s show.
After moving to Las Vegas, Sammy and Suzanne were appalled by the overwhelming number of abandoned animals.

So, they joined with the Nevada SPCA to host fundraisers under the umbrella of “Funny Bones,” which raised monies to pay for critical care for animals who otherwise would not have been adoptable.

When Sammy called, every available entertainer donated their time and talent for free; and as a result, rather than being euthanized, countless animals found “forever homes.”
Sammy leaves behind his wife of 29 years, Suzanne Dennie Shore,

his three dogs: JJ, Tallulah, and Matty, his four children: Scott, Sandi (pre-deceased), Peter and Pauly, as well as two grandchildren: Lola and Caleb.
Words can’t express how much his comedic gift, friendship, and beneficence will be missed.

The bright light he shone and the laughter he brought into the lives of everyone he touched will never dim.
There is only one “Brother Sam”! #thecomedystore