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Brenner, who was best known for his 150+ appearances on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” during the 1970’s, had been fighting cancer. He died peacefully over the weekend at his home in New York City with his family at his side, according to friend and publicist Jeff Abraham.
“David Brenner was a huge star when I met him and he took me under his wing. To me, historically, he was the godfather of hip, observational comedy,” comedian Richard Lewis said in a statement. “He mentored me from day one. … His passing leaves a hole in my life that can never be replaced.”
“David was one of the most respected and liked comedians by his peers. He was always there helping a bright young comedian, whether it be Richard Lewis, Freddie Prinze or Jimmie Walker, and he was still doing it until the very end,” Abraham said.
David Brenner was 78.
