Shecky Greene, Stand-Up Legend, Dies at 97 on New Year's Eve

Shecky Greene, a Las Vegas legend for a stand-up career that left his name synonymous with laughter, died at his home on New Year's Eve. He was 97.

Greene died of natural causes, his wife told The Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The comic had lived in Las Vegas for over 70 years. He began his career opening for Dorothy Shay at the New Frontier there in 1954.

Along the way, he worked with Elvis Presley — who was not a big draw yet, and who actually opened for Greene in 1956 — and sparred with Frank Sinatra, who once saved his life after he called off his own men who were giving Greene a beat-down at the Fontainebleau.

“Frank Sinatra saved my life," Greene recalled. "Five guys were beating me up and Frank said, ‘Okay, he’s had enough.’ He loved me and we hated each other. I didn’t love him. I far from loved him. But I f**king respected him for what he was."

During his '60s heyday, Greene knocked down $10,000 a week.

Greene's career also included guest-hosting "The Tonight Show" during the Johnny Carson era, a memorable role as Braddock on the TV series "Combat!" (1962-1963), and appearances in the movies "Tony Rome" (1967), "The Love Machine" (1971), "Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood" (1976), "History of the World: Part I" (1981), and "Splash" (1984).

Later sitcom guest spots included "Laverne & Shirley" (1983), "Roseanne" (1995), and "Mad About You" (1997).

Greene is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Marie, and his two children.