Corbett Monica
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Born Name:
Matthew Corbett Monica
Born Date: June 1, 1930
Born Place: New York, N.Y.
Died Date: July 22, 1998
Died Place: North Miami, Florida
Occupations: Comedian, actor
Brief Biography: Corbett Monica was best known for his clean, family-oriented humor, his frequent television appearances in the 1950s and 1960s, and his role as Joey Bishop's sidekick on The Joey Bishop Show. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he established himself as a reliable, highly requested "co-star opener" on the nightclub circuit, warming up crowds for legendary performers like Frank Sinatra, Nat "King" Cole, and Dean Martin.
Career Beginnings:
Early Gigs: After dropping out of high school, he briefly worked as a drummer and a dance instructor. At age 17, he began his stand-up career performing in St. Louis's numerous nightclubs and strip joints.
Military Service: Monica honed his comedic routines while serving in the U.S. Army, where he was assigned to entertain troops at USO clubs.
Rise to Fame and Television Success:
The Joey Bishop Show: Monica’s biggest break came when he was cast as Joey Bishop's best friend and building superintendent, Larry Corbett, on the 1960s sitcom The Joey Bishop Show.
The Ed Sullivan Show: Monica was a highly popular variety show act, making 18 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The Tonight Show: When Joey Bishop guest-hosted for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, he invited Monica onto the program. Monica proved so popular that he became a frequent guest host of The Tonight Show himself.
Film and Later Stage Work:
Movie Credits: Monica appeared in a handful of films, including the 1970 drama The Grasshopper alongside Jacqueline Bisset. He also famously played one of "The Comics" at the Carnegie Deli in Woody Allen's critically acclaimed 1984 film Broadway Danny Rose.
Live Touring: Throughout his career, he excelled as a premium opening act in Las Vegas, Miami, and Atlantic City for superstars like Lena Horne, Paul Anka, and Sammy Davis Jr. Later in life, he relocated to Florida and toured regularly with the musical duo Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé.
Born Date: June 1, 1930
Born Place: New York, N.Y.
Died Date: July 22, 1998
Died Place: North Miami, Florida
Occupations: Comedian, actor
Brief Biography: Corbett Monica was best known for his clean, family-oriented humor, his frequent television appearances in the 1950s and 1960s, and his role as Joey Bishop's sidekick on The Joey Bishop Show. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he established himself as a reliable, highly requested "co-star opener" on the nightclub circuit, warming up crowds for legendary performers like Frank Sinatra, Nat "King" Cole, and Dean Martin.
Career Beginnings:
Early Gigs: After dropping out of high school, he briefly worked as a drummer and a dance instructor. At age 17, he began his stand-up career performing in St. Louis's numerous nightclubs and strip joints.
Military Service: Monica honed his comedic routines while serving in the U.S. Army, where he was assigned to entertain troops at USO clubs.
Rise to Fame and Television Success:
The Joey Bishop Show: Monica’s biggest break came when he was cast as Joey Bishop's best friend and building superintendent, Larry Corbett, on the 1960s sitcom The Joey Bishop Show.
The Ed Sullivan Show: Monica was a highly popular variety show act, making 18 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The Tonight Show: When Joey Bishop guest-hosted for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, he invited Monica onto the program. Monica proved so popular that he became a frequent guest host of The Tonight Show himself.
Film and Later Stage Work:
Movie Credits: Monica appeared in a handful of films, including the 1970 drama The Grasshopper alongside Jacqueline Bisset. He also famously played one of "The Comics" at the Carnegie Deli in Woody Allen's critically acclaimed 1984 film Broadway Danny Rose.
Live Touring: Throughout his career, he excelled as a premium opening act in Las Vegas, Miami, and Atlantic City for superstars like Lena Horne, Paul Anka, and Sammy Davis Jr. Later in life, he relocated to Florida and toured regularly with the musical duo Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé.