Murray Roman
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Born Name:
Murray Roman
Born Date: March 8, 1929
Born Place: New York City
Died Date: November 6, 1973
Died Place: Los Angeles County, California
Occupations: Stand-up comedian, actor, television writer
Brief Biography: Murray Roman was heavily influenced by Lenny Bruce and carved out a cult following in the late 1960s with routines focused heavily on sex, drugs, and political satire.
Early Career and Television Writing:
Began as an actor: Roman worked steadily in 1960s episodic television, landing minor roles on popular series including Batman, That Girl, and The Rat Patrol.
Emmy win: He joined the writing staff of the famously controversial variety program The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Alongside his fellow writers—including his close friend Steve Martin—Roman won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in 1969.
Stand-Up and Cult Comedy Albums:
The "Next Lenny Bruce": Roman shifted away from standard Borscht Belt comedy formulas toward a boundary-pushing, pro-hippie persona that echoed George Carlin's famous transition.
Rock 'n' roll connection: He regularly opened for legendary rock acts like The Doors and Country Joe and the Fish. He was also reportedly the favorite comedian of The Who's drummer Keith Moon. Moon personally helped Roman secure a recording contract with the band's UK label, Track Records.
Discography: Roman released several provocative stand-up comedy albums: Out of Control (Debut album), You Can't Beat People Up and Have Them Say I Love You (Achieved major cult status in Britain), Blind Man's Movie (Featuring a unique, completely matte black fold-out sleeve), and Busted (A record detailing his legal troubles and brief time spent in prison).
Born Date: March 8, 1929
Born Place: New York City
Died Date: November 6, 1973
Died Place: Los Angeles County, California
Occupations: Stand-up comedian, actor, television writer
Brief Biography: Murray Roman was heavily influenced by Lenny Bruce and carved out a cult following in the late 1960s with routines focused heavily on sex, drugs, and political satire.
Early Career and Television Writing:
Began as an actor: Roman worked steadily in 1960s episodic television, landing minor roles on popular series including Batman, That Girl, and The Rat Patrol.
Emmy win: He joined the writing staff of the famously controversial variety program The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Alongside his fellow writers—including his close friend Steve Martin—Roman won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in 1969.
Stand-Up and Cult Comedy Albums:
The "Next Lenny Bruce": Roman shifted away from standard Borscht Belt comedy formulas toward a boundary-pushing, pro-hippie persona that echoed George Carlin's famous transition.
Rock 'n' roll connection: He regularly opened for legendary rock acts like The Doors and Country Joe and the Fish. He was also reportedly the favorite comedian of The Who's drummer Keith Moon. Moon personally helped Roman secure a recording contract with the band's UK label, Track Records.
Discography: Roman released several provocative stand-up comedy albums: Out of Control (Debut album), You Can't Beat People Up and Have Them Say I Love You (Achieved major cult status in Britain), Blind Man's Movie (Featuring a unique, completely matte black fold-out sleeve), and Busted (A record detailing his legal troubles and brief time spent in prison).