Budd Friedman, the comedy legend who founded the iconic comedy club The Improv, has died at 90, The Hollywood Improv announced Saturday.
“The comedy world lost a giant today,” the venue tweeted. “In 1963 he changed the world of comedy by creating the first comedy club for the masses to come together in laughter. In 1963 he changed the world. He went global. He was a pioneer. He was a gentleman. He was a luminary.”
Friedman had just celebrated his 90th birthday at the comedy club’s Hollywood location.
“Budd Friedman’s influence on live stand-up comedy is immeasurable,” National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson said in a statement.